Health Scare a Good Reminder of the Importance of Annual Mammograms
Army Veteran, Registered Nurse, Breast Health Navigator, and Mammography Patient
“It was a great relief knowing that everything was okay, annual screenings are so important."
Midland resident Tammy Potter, R.N., C.M.S.R.N. and army veteran, experienced a recent health care scare; the results of her annual mammogram came back abnormal, and she was called in for an ultrasound. Two masses were detected, and a biopsy was scheduled for the following week. Her experience cemented her confidence in annual exams and the expertise of the staff at MyMichigan Health.
“I didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary,” said Potter. “It was time for my annual mammogram, and I stay on schedule. Now that 3D mammography technology is standard, they are able to get great images. They detected two problem areas and followed up with the additional testing quickly.”
Potter was scheduled for an ultrasound that confirmed her mammogram results. Lindsay Zeeb, M.D., performed biopsies to the spots in question with Erin Landon, R.N. a breast health nurse, assisting. “I was happy they were able to do both areas on the same day,” said Potter. “It’s a little nerve-wracking, so not having two separate appointments helped. Both Dr. Zeeb and Erin were careful and kind. Actually, they were amazing.”
Landon went over the biopsy results with Potter. Fortunately, one spot was benign, the other a fragment of a cyst needing no treatment. Dr. Zeeb placed breast markers to identify the areas where breast tissue was removed. These tiny, titanium markers are smaller than sesame seeds and will show up on future mammograms or other imaging tests so the exact area can be located for further treatment, if needed, or any follow up. “It was a great relief knowing that everything was okay,” said Potter. “Annual screenings are so important. As an oncology nurse I know that when issues are detected early, the chances of positive outcomes are so much better.”
After working with cancer patients for twelve years and her recent personal experience, Potter decided to change her focus at work. She is now a breast health navigator at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. Her new role is to assist patients from the moment a breast concern is identified navigate the process through counseling, answering questions and helping to schedule appointments or tests. “It’s important for patients to have a go-to person to help them connect with doctors, coordinate appointments and answer questions they may have.” she said. “If a patient receives a diagnosis of cancer, I assist during testing, treatment and follow-up so I get to know them quite well.”
Potter stresses the importance of self-exams and regular screenings for breast cancer and other cancers. Genetic testing is also available to those who qualify. She is grateful to have had positive experiences with MyMichigan providers and colleagues as a patient, to have received a positive personal outcome and to now be a positive force when helping others throughout their journeys.
For more information on MyMichigan Health’s Breast Health Program, visit www.mymichigan.org/breasthealth.
