From Vacation Dreams to Life-Changing Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Sister, Swimmer, Breast Cancer Survivor
“I couldn’t have asked for better care and I trust them with my life. In fact, they gave me a cancer free life. I’m going to miss seeing them on a regular basis.”
Looking forward to a Hawaiian vacation with her sister, Kathy Shilling filled her mind with thoughts of warm ocean breezes, serene beaches and time with her sister. However, on March 12, 2025, Shilling felt a lump in her breast.
At 62, Shilling was diligent about her annual mammograms and had no family history of breast cancer. She initially dismissed the lump as a possible bruise because her dog had pawed at her chest earlier in the week. Thinking she could wait until after the trip to get it checked, her sister encouraged her not to delay.
Thanks to her provider’s quick response, Shilling was scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound. At her appointment, the radiologist came into the room and told her he was concerned with the mass and wanted additional testing. Shilling was sure it was nothing to worry about.
“I was in shock that I needed additional testing. My last mammogram had shown nothing, and now I had a five centimeter lump, which is about the size of a lime,” said Shilling.
Still hoping to postpone further testing until after her vacation, Shilling was advised by her doctor that if it was his wife in her position, he would tell her not to wait. That convinced her to proceed with the biopsy before leaving for Hawaii.
While in Hawaii, Shilling received the news that it was breast cancer. She was diagnosed with estrogen, progesterone and HER2 positive breast cancer.
“I was so grateful my sister was with me when I received the news,” she said. “We’ve been close our entire life. We’re just 15 months apart and the youngest of seven siblings. Even though she lives in Virginia, we still talk every day.”
Back home, Shilling was referred to Amy Slough, R.N., breast nurse navigator, who guided Shilling through the next steps. “Waiting for the results of a PET scan was terrifying,” admitted Shilling. “When the results came back showing cancer in my lymph nodes, but no cancer anywhere else in my body, I was very relieved.”
On April 14, Shilling began chemotherapy and immunotherapy at MyMichigan Medical Oncology & Hematology in Saginaw with Tariq Sabir, M.D., board certified medical oncologist and hematologist.
“Our goal was to shrink the tumor as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Dr. Sabir. “We approach every patient with a comprehensive and compassionate plan that support not just their physical health, but their emotion well-being as well.”
After four months of chemotherapy, a follow-up scan showed no visible tumor.
Her next step was a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy on September 8, with Christopher Garces, M.D., board certified surgeon specializing in breast surgery at the MyMichigan Medical Center Towne Centre. At her post-surgery appointment, she received more good news, clean margins and no signs of cancer in her lymph nodes.
In October, Shilling will meet with Nicholas Damico, M.D., board certified radiation oncologist, for a simulation scan and to discuss her treatment plan. This simulation ensures precise targeting of radiation therapy, helping to protect healthy tissue while treating the affected area.
“Every patient is unique, but some breast cancer patients receive radiation therapy after chemotherapy and surgery to ensure any remaining cancer cells are destroyed. This reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and in certain cases improves survival while allowing for less extensive surgery,” explained Dr. Damico. “This therapy is a critical component of the treatment plan as it eliminates any lingering cancer cells that may have not been fully destroyed by surgery and chemotherapy.”
“Not that anyone wants to go through cancer, but I am so grateful to the entire team who cared for me,” said Shilling. “I couldn’t have asked for better care and I trust them with my life. In fact, they gave me a cancer free life. I’m going to miss seeing them on a regular basis.”
Keeping a positive attitude and being surrounded by her family and work family kept Shillings spirits up. For 10 years, she has worked for McDonald GMC Cadillac in Saginaw at the front desk. “My work family was very supportive during my treatment,” she added. “After I lost my hair, one of my co-workers said I should get a red wig to wear. So, I showed up recently wearing a long red wig. We all got a good laugh out of it.”
“My advice to others is be meticulous with your monthly self-checks,” said Shilling. “My lump came out of nowhere, and I felt I was okay since my last mammogram had been clear.”
With a positive outlook on life, Shilling is looking forward to joining her husband in retirement and they plan to look for property up north on a lake. “I love to swim, so we’d like to find a nice retirement home on a lake with some land so our dogs can roam. I’m grateful to my entire care team and looking forward to enjoying life on a lake with my family.”
Those interested in learning more about the comprehensive breast health services available at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/breast.
