Julie's Story
Julie’s Journey: A reminder of early detection and treatment
Julie, a longtime Caldwell resident, says routine mammograms saved her life and she’ll never forget the invaluable support she received from the team at West Valley Medical Center.
Having lived in Caldwell for 35 years, Julie and her family have always found West Valley close and convenient for their medical needs. Their recent experience underscores how a routine procedure became life-saving. Julie’s journey began with her annual mammogram at the start of the year. Her primary care physician, who would soon retire, scheduled the appointment for her. During her mammogram, the mammo technologist identified some areas of concern.
“I was skeptical about needing another diagnostic mammogram,” Julie admits. “I had one a few years prior that showed no cause for concern, so I questioned whether this follow-up was necessary.” Despite her reservations, the staff at West Valley promptly reached out to ensure she attend the follow-up appointments.
Now without a primary care physician, since her doctor had retired, Julie faced potential delays in getting the necessary referrals. “It could have taken months to find another one and get the referrals I needed,” she explains. “But thankfully, Dr. Whitney Parnell, a breast surgeon at West Valley, stepped in to help.”
Dr. Parnell facilitated a diagnostic mammogram and a same-day consultation, saving nearly months of waiting time for Julie.
“When Dr. Parnell confirmed I needed a biopsy, it was a moment of truth,” Julie says. The biopsy later confirmed a positive cancer diagnosis. “I’m grateful for the proactive approach that led to an early detection. If I had ignored these appointments, my diagnosis might have been much more severe.”
Throughout the process, Julie was supported by West Valley’s patient navigators, Sara Moody and Nikki Agee. “They were incredible,” she says. “Sara and Nikki guided me through all the appointments and procedures, making a daunting process much more manageable.”
Julie’s cancer was caught early, requiring only a lumpectomy rather than more aggressive treatments. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasizes, “I had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer, so I was tempted to ignore the mammogram. I’m so glad I didn’t. The early detection and swift action I received likely spared me from a much more difficult situation.”
Her message to others is clear: “Don’t ignore your mammogram schedule. Even without symptoms or family history, routine screenings can make a significant difference. The care I received from West Valley Medical Center was instrumental in my positive outcome, and I urge everyone to prioritize their health screenings.”
Julie’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of regular mammograms and the crucial role that proactive medical care plays in early cancer detection and treatment.
It’s why Julie says, “Take me to West Valley Medical Center for invaluable support and critical screenings.”
Schedule your 3d mammogram today at West Valley by calling (208) 455-3905 or online below.
