The first step to saving my life

Jana Petersen made sure she had annual mammograms — for a while.

“I had them routinely and then I just quit,” Jana said. “I procrastinated for four years.”

Life-saving technology: 3D mammograms at Brigham City Community Hospital

When Jana, who worked at Brigham City Community Hospital for 40 years, heard about the new 3D mammogram machine available at the hospital, she decided to stop procrastinating. She wanted to try out the latest equipment, which combines X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast.

“Our hospital leaders encouraged employees and family members to come test out the new machine. That triggered me to finally have a mammogram again — and it ended up saving my life,” Jana said.

The high-powered, state-of-the-art technology improves breast cancer detection in dense breast tissue. Plus, studies show that 3D mammograms detect slightly more cancers than standards mammograms.

“If I had the old machine, they may not have detected this for another year. Detection in the earliest stages is best,” Jana said.

The results from Jana’s 3D mammogram rocked her world. She felt stunned and overwhelmed by the journey ahead, but thankfully, experts were there to offer support and direction.

“I worked in a hospital, yet I had no idea what to do next. I’m so thankful for Bridgette, the mammographer at Brigham City Community Hospital. She is so professional and in tune, and she guided me through the next steps. We are blessed to have her in that role. She’s my angel!”

Genetic testing and personalized plans for cancer treatment

Jana’s medical oncologist, Dr. Carl Gray of Utah Hematology Oncology, diagnosed Jana with stage one breast cancer. Then Jana underwent genetic testing to get more clues about her body and how it might react to the cancer.

“Even though I was only in stage one, the [genetic test] results showed an intermediate to high chance of reoccurrence,” Jana said. “With that in mind, Dr. Gray recommended the whole treatment — chemotherapy and radiation.”

Jana underwent six treatments of chemotherapy over a course of months, followed by daily radiation for 30 treatments. She completed her treatments in 2017 and has been keeping in close touch with her oncologist since then.

“I think after my next oncology visit, I can call myself cancer free, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come back. I’ll continue having mammograms and blood work done. A mammogram was the first step in saving my life, and I’ll keep having them as part of follow up care too,” Jana said.

To book a mammogram, use the MountainStar's online scheduling system or call (844) 481-0262.

 “A mammogram was the first step in saving my life, and I’ll keep having them as part of follow up care too.” — Jana Petersen