Breast Cancer Survivor Grateful for Local Care
Breast Cancer Survivor
"From the moment I met the surgical team and providers I knew I was in good hands"
During a self-breast exam, Sarah Dill, 46, of Saginaw, discovered a lump in her right breast. With no family history of breast cancer, she thought it was nothing serious but followed up with her primary care provider. A mammogram verified the lump and a breast biopsy was scheduled.
The biopsy on June 7, 2023, confirmed a breast cancer diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with a mucinous invasive component, a rare and invasive type of breast cancer. The good news was that Dill’s cancer was caught early and had not spread to her lymph nodes. She was referred to Christopher Garces, M.D., breast surgeon, and Amy Slough, R.N., breast nurse navigator, who see patients at MyMichigan Medical Center Towne Centre.
As a breast navigator, Slough works with patients from the initial diagnosis and help them navigate through their treatment and beyond.
“Amy was very important to me along my journey,” said Dill. “She was at every appointment I had, walked me through every option and answered all of my questions.”
She met with Dr. Garces to discuss options which included surgery and potentially chemotherapy. Sarah discussed the options with Dr. Garces and choose to have a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.
“It was a very personal decision for me to have a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence, and Dr. Garces was very supportive of my decision,” added Dill. “He was very kind and explained the mastectomy surgery and referred me to plastic surgeon Dr. William Pittas for reconstruction.”
After the mastectomy surgery, Dr. Pittas, began the immediate reconstructive process by placing tissue expanders in Dill’s chest. The expanders are used to gradually stretch the skin and chest muscles to create a pocket for the permanent implants.
“I woke up after surgery with the expanders and drain tubes at the surgical site to prevent fluid buildup,” explained Dill. “About a month after surgery the drain tubes were removed, and I continued the expansion process. Every month the expanders were filled with additional fluid to make room for the implants. Towards the end of the three months it became very painful.”
On November 10, 2023, Dr. Pittas completed the reconstructive surgery by removing the expanders and inserting the final implants.
“From the moment I met the surgical team and providers I knew I was in good hands,” said Dill. “I can’t say enough about Dr. Garces, Amy and Dr. Pittas, they were all so wonderful to me. All of the staff at the surgery center were kind and made me feel at ease.”
“I continue to have follow up appointments with Dr. Garces, Amy and the oncology team,” Sarah added. “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders as I’m my father’s caretaker. I can return my focus to his care.”
Prior to her surgery, Dill completed prehab at physical therapy as per mastectomy office patient protocol for Dr. Garces. The goal is to build up her strength and reduce the potential of lymphedema post-surgery.
While the self-discovery in April 2023 was the start of her breast cancer journey, Dill is happy to have all of her treatment in the rearview mirror. She enjoys being outside enjoying the wildflowers and sunflowers behind her home and spending quality time with her dad.
Dill didn’t have any family history of breast cancer and thought she wasn’t at risk, so she wasn’t vigilant about a yearly mammogram. She is a firm believer in the importance of self-breast exams. “I encourage everyone to be diligent with self-breast exams as well as annual mammograms,” Dill advises. “I’ve seen firsthand how important it was to discover breast cancer early when it has the highest cure rate.”
Dr. Garces see patients in Bay City, Saginaw and Tawas. Those who would like more information on MyMichigan’s comprehensive breast health program may visit. www.mymichigan.org/breast.
