This article is sponsored by Jefferson Radiology. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Connecticut’s editorial staff. To learn more about Jefferson Radiology, visit Jeffersonradiology.com.
As a 41-year old mother of two with no family history of breast cancer and no risk factors, Dr. Shilpa Deepak Thakur strolled into her second ever mammogram without a care in the world. In fact, she was more preoccupied with planning her husband’s birthday party later that day than worrying about her health.
May 27, 2016, however, would be a day that not only changed Dr. Thakur's life, but saved it.
That’s because following the results of her mammogram, the Connecticut-based physician was told she needed to come back for an additional screening. A biopsy followed, then an MRI and finally another biopsy. They revealed a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and a micro-invasion. In other words, Dr. Thakur had early stage breast cancer and it was on the move. Her doctor informed her that she was going to need a mastectomy.
“I sank to my knees and sobbed. It was not news that I, as a mother of two young girls, the wife of a radiologist, and a physician myself, was prepared to hear.”
Dr. Thakur opted to have a bilateral mastectomy with direct to implant reconstruction. Since the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes, did not have to undergo chemotherapy.
Today, Dr. Thakur is cancer-free. And she credits the help of Jefferson Radiology and her decision to get an annual mammogram with saving her life.
“I won’t need another mammogram but will forever be grateful for getting annual screenings when I did. I shudder to think what would have been found if I had postponed them. I can truthfully say that a mammogram saved my life.”
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