Happenings
From Tears to Triumph
Angie Gibson’s Journey
“One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. On January 19, 2017, I became that one,” recalls Angie Gibson, a Palmetto GBA quality assurance and training coordinator.
It started as a routine annual mammogram, but it was followed by unsettling news: something was different. After an ultrasound and a lumpectomy, Angie’s world turned upside down with the words, ‘You have cancer.’
“I cried for two weeks, and my coworkers cried with me,” she shared. But soon, Angie decided it was time to take control. “I decided it was time to fight and kick some cancer tooshie!”
After undergoing surgery, Angie stayed with her parents, where her mom, a retired nurse, helped her through the recovery process. “My mom and I became closer during this time,” Angie reflects.
Angie then underwent chemotherapy. Angie recalls, “I broke down and cried during that first treatment, and the nurse just hugged me.” Along with her family, Angie had the support of friends and coworkers. She turned to her hairdresser, a fellow cancer survivor, when her hair began to fall out from the chemo. She shaved her head in a private, supportive setting.
Surviving and Thriving
Through it all, Angie remained resilient. “Today, I am great!!!” she exclaims. She continues to take medication and sees her doctor annually.
Angie’s message to others is clear: “Do those monthly self-exams! Get those mammograms! Keep those yearly appointments!” Her cancer was detected during a routine mammogram, an appointment she almost canceled. “I don’t want to think about what would have happened had my friend not made me keep that appointment,” she said.
Angie’s story is one of courage, humor and an unyielding will to fight. It’s a reminder that happy endings are possible with early detection and support from loved ones.
A Few Minutes Can Save Your Life
In December 2021, Lynnette Price received a reminder to schedule her annual mammogram. She was already overscheduled and felt that she didn’t need one more thing added to her long to-do list. “At that time, I was helping take care of my 89-year-old mother and almost decided to just skip the mammogram that year,” said Lynnette, a quality assurance analyst in Claims. “But I kept thinking it wouldn’t take but a few minutes to get it done and then I wouldn’t have to think about it again for another year.” So, she made her appointment.
For years, Lynnette had normal results from her annual mammogram, but this year was different. “I got a call a couple of days later telling me something showed up on the mammogram. I went and had an ultrasound and then a biopsy that confirmed I had breast cancer.”
Please Don't Put It Off
Today, after successful treatments Lynnette is cancer free and thriving. “I am so glad that I made that appointment and had it done,” said Lynnette. “I can’t stress enough how important getting a yearly mammogram is. Please don’t put it off. The earlier it is detected the better the outcome.”
