She thought it was a cyst, not breast cancer

Arielle Mitchell, age 36, was sure the lump in her breast was a cyst. She was too young, she thought, to have breast cancer. And besides, the lump wasn’t attached or stationary. She could move it.

When Arielle pointed out the lump to her OB-GYN, Andola Mathis, MD, at her next appointment, Dr. Mathis referred her to the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Breast Center for a mammogram, just to be safe. With an all fellowship-trained female breast oncology team, and as a certified center of excellence, they had the expertise to evaluate her.

The breast oncology team of physicians are members of the Cancer Network of West Michigan, which is a collaboration between UM Health-West and Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Muskegon. This network offers patients access to leading specialists, clinical trials, and the latest cancer treatments.

Like many women, Arielle hesitated to schedule her appointment. She had had the lump for about a year, and she felt okay. Plus, only one of her aunts had breast cancer. As a working single mother, she had plenty to keep her busy. Besides, she was younger than women of average risk for developing breast cancer, according to the guidelines for mammograms. Only 10% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women age 45 or younger.

Time went by, and Arielle didn’t go for the mammogram. That’s when she got a call from Dr. Mathis saying that the breast center never got a reply from her to schedule the mammogram. With prompting from Dr. Mathis, Arielle made the appointment.

Arielle’s diagnosis
Arielle completed her diagnostic mammogram, but it didn’t verify that the lump was non-cancerous. To ensure it was just a cyst, Arielle underwent a biopsy.

“In January, I got the call that I had breast cancer,” she said. “Of course, I was crying and devastated. I didn’t want to lose my life; I still had my 8-year-old son to raise.”

Surrounded by support from her older sister and young son — and by Trinity Health Grand Rapids — Arielle’s care team assured her that the lump was HER2-positive, which responds well to treatment. Arielle’s positive attitude about life and her faith bolstered her during her journey.

Arielle’s treatment plan
Arielle’s treatment plan involved chemotherapy under the care of oncologist Heidi Egloff, MD, at Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Sr. Cancer Center, followed by breast cancer surgery, endocrine therapy (oral medication), and breast reconstruction.

“I was concerned about losing all my hair with chemotherapy. It really bothered me, but hair grows back,” she said. I also lost my taste and appetite.”

Arielle sang praises of Dr. Egloff and Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Robinson. “They both made me feel so comfortable,” Arielle said. “They were a big support. They are amazing.”

Dr. Egloff recognized Arielle’s strength as an asset. “Arielle has shown incredible positivity and resilience throughout treatment,” said Dr. Egloff. “Overall, the prognosis is very good with the treatment she has received.”

With chemotherapy completed on July 18, Bess Connors, MD, performed a double mastectomy.

“The surgical care at Trinity Health is excellent,” said Arielle. “They explained everything. I chose that option (double mastectomy) because I wanted all my breast tissue removed. I also didn’t want to undergo radiation. I am in the process of having breast reconstruction. I have the tissue expanders in now, and I will go for plastic surgery on Oct. 29 with Lauren Sall, MD,” she added.

Dr. Connors noticed strength in Arielle.

“When we met again after Arielle finished chemotherapy and the bilateral mastectomy surgery, she looked so happy and confident knowing she had fought through all that treatment,” Dr. 
Connors shared. “I think it only made her more resilient.”  

Arielle’s care
Arielle was terrified when she first learned about her cancer. “Knowing I had the lump for so long, I was a nervous wreck,” said Arielle. “A few days later, they told me what stage the cancer was, which was stage one — thankfully.

“Trinity Health took care of me throughout my diagnosis and treatment … whether it was the infusion center, the breast center, or genetic testing, they were amazing with me. They really made me comfortable.”

Arielle’s advice
Arielle feels like she is getting back to being herself. She is confident that she and her son will have a good future. Arielle offers this advice for readers:

•    Listen to your doctor.
•    If you feel anything in your chest, get it checked out. You never know — regardless of your age. I was sure I didn’t have breast cancer. I thought my lump was just a cyst and it was going to go away. But it wasn’t a cyst. 
•    I’ve been with Trinity Health a long time. I trust them. You can too.

Many trusted organizations recommend that women with average risk schedule their first annual mammogram screening at age 40. The Trinity Health Breast Center in Grand Rapids also offers an MRI for women at high risk. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask us about the new screening recommendations.

Schedule your mammogram through the MyChart patient portal or call 855-559-7179.

Learn more about Breast Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors and Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.