Lynn Killingbeck, age 64, of South Windsor went for her usual annual mammogram at a local imaging center near her home. A few days later, she was asked to return for another mammogram and ultrasound as a follow-up. She returned for the additional tests, and after being given a clean bill of breast health, \u201cI walked out feeling good,\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n
But less than two weeks after her clear mammogram and ultrasound results, her UConn Health primary care physician Dr. Elizabeth Appel surprisingly found a suspicious breast lump during Killingbeck\u2019s annual physical exam.<\/p>\n
Since Killingbeck had just had the follow-up screenings, she queried her doctor, \u201cDo I really need to go for a follow-up?\u201d<\/p>\n
Appel was adamant that Killingbeck get the lump checked out as soon as possible by the breast team at UConn Health\u2019s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to see the UConn Health breast team for an exam and within minutes I was having a mammogram and follow-up ultrasound,\u201d said Killingbeck. She was also scheduled for a biopsy. \u201cI then knew this lump was going to be a serious issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was told that I had breast cancer,\u201d said Killingbeck. \u201cIt was a shock. It was really hard to believe that I had cancer,\u201d she says, given her family has no history of the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Appel at UConn Health saved my life! Had it not been for her finding the lump and urging me to get it double-checked, I really would have waited a year until my next annual mammogram,\u201d said Killingbeck.\u201cI really just don\u2019t know what a difference a year would have made.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following lumpectomy surgery, Killingbeck had genomic testing of her tumor, which led her Health cancer specialists to prescribe follow-up chemotherapy and radiation \u2013 and five years of hormonal therapy with the medication Anastrozole to prevent a recurrence.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything happened so quickly from my primary care doctor\u2019s office finding my lump to my follow-up imaging testing with UConn Health\u2019s breast team and my surgery. It was quite a team effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy message to other women is always trust your doctor,\u201d says Killingbeck. \u201cThankfully, I am okay now. I am feeling pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Killingbeck added: \u201cIt was a wonderful care experience with UConn Health. Honestly, I had never been to UConn Health before beyond my primary care doctor\u2019s office. But, now, I will always go to UConn Health for my care\u2026 from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n