Susan Banks planned on spending her summer gardening in her yard, two and a half years after leaving Eyewitness News. But life takes unexpected turns. For her, the second time.
"It was not, it was not what I wanted to hear," said Banks.
Susan is once again battling breast cancer. Back in 2002, she had a lumpectomy and then radiation. But seven years later, the cancer has returned. This time, in the other breast.
"It is easily removed. However there were other indications that I would probably get breast cancer again, maybe in a year or two. So I decided not to do the lumpectomy as I did last time. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I I opted this time to go for the double mastectomy," added Banks.
She was in getting a mammogram, which did not catch the cancer. It did not last time either. Susan asked for a sonogram, which her doctor ordered. That was where the cancer was spotted. Susan, who is a very private person, has come forward for one reason. A message for women.
"Get a sonogram. Do whatever it takes to save your life," she says.
Susan's mammogram and sonogram were taken at Windsong Radiology Group, where we spoke to a radiologist today. Radiologist Dr. Cynthia Fan explains both mammogram and ultrasounds, known also as sonograms, have advantages and disadvantages. In certain cases, the shade of the breast tissue may look the same as the cancer in a mammogram, particularly if a patient has dense breast tissue, and that is where the ultrasound can help.
"If you do an ultrasound, it has to be evaluated with a mammogram," said Dr. Fan.
Radiologist at Windsong explain sonograms are recommended for high risk patients, with dense breasts. If someone asks for one that is not high risk, insurance may not pay for it. But Susan is urging women to get them, as she prepared to go for surgery, with a positive attitude.
"I am so lucky. I have a wonderful husband who has stood by me through everything all of this. I have wonderful friends and a wonderful family. I could not be luckier," said Banks.
Twitter
Facebook