Barbara “Babs” Herring of Hannibal learned something about breast cancer this past summer.
“Just because you don’t have it in your family history, don’t think you are immune,” she said.
The 67-year-old undergoes annual screening mammograms faithfully.
“I am a big fan of preventive screening,” Babs said. “Any kind of preventive test, I am there.”
About three years ago, her screening mammogram caused caregivers concern. But after two ultrasound tests six months apart, caregivers determined there was no need for action at the time.
Fast forward to May 2024 and Babs’ annual screening mammogram.
“This time they said, ‘There is something going on. We’ll do another ultrasound,’” she recalled.
“I wasn’t concerned about it. I thought this would be the same thing as before.”
It wasn’t. This time the ultrasound led to a biopsy which led to a diagnosis of breast cancer.
“Where did this come from?” Babs remembered as her response to the diagnosis. “I just didn’t think at all that this was possible with no family history of breast cancer. I was really shocked. It caught me off guard.”
After the shock wore off, Babs focused on the future.
“I just wanted the cancer gone,” she said.
Babs’ next move
She went to Blessing Health Hannibal nationally certified surgeon Patricia Hirner, MD.
“She has a really good reputation,” Babs said of the doctor. “My husband went to her when he had skin cancer removed. We like her. She has a great personality.”
Dr. Hirner, an experienced northeast Missouri surgeon, graduated medical school and completed her internship and residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
“My goal is to provide the same quality of general surgery and breast care that patients would receive at a university hospital,” said Dr. Hirner. “I feel an obligation to provide the most up-to-date care and find it satisfying guiding patients through the complexity of healthcare.”
Babs and her husband of 46 years, Jack, were also impressed with the medical teamwork they experienced in the course of her care. Doctors involved in the care of Hannibal area cancer patients meet at a weekly conference to review all cases.
“It’s a great thing,” said Babs. “Dr. Hirner told us she had already talked to Dr. Bari (Blessing Health Hannibal medical oncologist). So, when I saw Dr. Bari as part of my care, he already knew everything about me.”
Babs reaches her goal
She underwent a single mastectomy on June 28 with three lymph nodes removed to see if the cancer had spread. It had not and Babs did not require follow-up treatment with chemotherapy or radiation, something for which she was grateful.
“Catching it early is the key,” she said.
Babs’ surgery was done at the Northeast Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center in Hannibal, and she was able to go home the same day – something that surprised her and Jack.
“Everything I read said one or two days in the hospital,” Babs said.
But after the procedure, she felt ready to go home.
“I felt normal,” Babs recalled.
In fact, she felt so normal that she and Jack took their usual morning walk the day after surgery.
“I didn’t do our usual mile,” Babs admitted. “I only did a half-mile and I was walking a little slower than my normal pace.”
For at least the next five years, Babs will take a hormone inhibitor under the care of Dr. Bari. The medication suppresses estrogen which can contribute to cancer recurrence.
And of course, Babs will keep up with her screening mammograms.
About screening mammograms
Women at average breast cancer risk should begin undergoing screening mammograms at age 40.
The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women undergo a risk assessment with their primary care provider by the age of 25 to determine if screening mammography is needed prior to age 40.
The organizations also recommend women continue to undergo screening mammograms past age 74, unless their primary care provider recommends otherwise.
To schedule a mammogram at Blessing Health Hannibal, or another Blessing Health facility, call 217-223-8400, ext. 4300.
For more information about breast cancer care at Blessing Health, go to blessinghealth.org, click on “Treatments” on the blue menu bar, then go to “B” and select Breast Cancer.