2019-October-09

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My Mammogram That Didn’t Detect Cancer

BY WINDY SEARS · HIGH TOUCH OPERATIONS MANAGER · UNITED STATES

My passion is being the phone-a-friend lifeline for my customers. In my role as a High-Touch Operations Manager, I connect customers with the resources they need when there is a problem — it is my job to help them solve it.

Windy with longtime friend and “Hookin’ for Hooters” Team Captain, Wendy Ashley, returning to the docks after a charity fishing tournament in Ocean City, MD. The Poor Girls Open raised $140K this year for the American Cancer Society.

Cisco has been by my side through two life-altering experiences. The first in 2013, when at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and went through treatment for Breast Cancer.

I discovered a lump that felt hard like a frozen pea in my breast during a self-check. It was so small that it was hard to even find again. I followed up with my gynecologist, who, despite feeling nothing, referred me for a mammogram followed by an ultrasound.

The mammogram did not show anything suspicious, but because of the follow-up with ultrasound, we were able to see the mass that day. I am so thankful to my doctor for having ordered the right tests that lead to such a quick diagnosis.

I went on to have a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) followed by 37 rounds of daily radiation therapy, the last five of which were extra intense doses called “boosts”. Since I was not undergoing chemotherapy, this was what I needed, but way more rounds than usual.

Naively, I thought I could work during my daily radiation therapy. It turned out to be a huge strain to be there for treatment at a specific time each day. Not to mention the side effects I experienced where I felt like my skin was burning and peeling. I couldn’t wear a bra — not ideal for work.

I was tired and exhausted a lot of the time, not just physical from the radiation but also mentally from preparing to go to the cancer ward at the hospital every day.

All it took was a phone call to my manager saying, “I’m not sure I can do all of this.” The management team took care of everything administrative for me, and I went out on short-term disability for the second time that year.

Cisco representatives walked me through every step of the way. They helped deal with insurance denials, set up my disability benefits, and provide Nurse Navigators to help me through my cancer diagnosis at no cost to me. Cisco’s benefits go far beyond what is listed on our benefits pages.

In 2015, two years after diagnosis, I unexpectedly lost my husband of 16 years. Once again, Cisco helped me pick myself up and get on with my life. It’s because of this, I have fostered an unwavering sense of loyalty to the company.

Even with all of the work I missed, I never once worried that I wouldn't have a job. There truly is no better company.

Seven years on, I still take a cancer drug daily. I will continue to for at least three more years. In addition to my continuous self-checks, I go for annual checkups, which include a 3D diagnostic mammogram and a follow-up with my radiologist, oncologist, and surgeon.

I had my mammogram last month, and, although it showed nothing, I was concerned and insisted on the ultrasound that was already ordered if needed. Thankfully, there was nothing there. I got the all-clear again this year.

Windy’s family of eight. Windy, Norah (15), Daylan (17), Dustin (husband), Josephine (15), Isaak (13), Colton (12), and Paisley (9).

As for life at home, it is hectic but fun. I re-married a year ago, and my husband has four children in addition to my two. We have three boys and three girls, ranging from 9 to 17. I enjoy planning trips and meals. With a group this big, both pose quite a challenge.

Along my journey, I’ve learned that people don't gossip as much as you think. I found that people don't know the things that happened to me unless I tell them myself. So, I share my story with others when the time seems right. When it may help someone else get through a personal trial.

I’m part of our Cancer Support Network (CSN), where I have put my name out there as a resource for young breast cancer patients/survivors. I was also featured in a story for Cisco's documentary "Detected," where IoT is integrated into breast cancer detection.

We all say, “Life goes on,” but I genuinely know what it means. Pick yourself up and move forward with more vision than you had before. I’ve used nearly every benefit Cisco offers for people going through tough times. Cisco has been like family though it all.

I tell my story for the young people. You are not immune to this disease because of youth.

You are your own advocate and know your own body, so you are your best detector.

You must do your breast self-exam regularly! If you don’t, how will you know something is different? If you think you feel something, take the first step and see your gynecologist.

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