In the unprecedented year of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide, many people found themselves re-evaluating their health priorities.

Like 41% of Americans, Morgen Chesonis-Gonzalez, a Miami-based clinical art therapist and mother of two, chose to skip her routine medical screenings due to fears surrounding the virus. For Chesonis-Gonzalez, the decision not to schedule her annual check-up that summer would have devastating consequences.

A Turning Point in August

By August, a nagging pain in her armpit prompted a medical reevaluation—a decision that would inevitably alter the course of her life. Determined to uncover the source of her discomfort, she bravely arranged for a mammogram, enduring a hospital experience that felt eerily surreal amidst pandemic protocols.

The Diagnosis

The moment of truth came as she sat with her oncologist—wearing two masks while her husband listened from the car. The shocking diagnosis? Two distinct types of breast cancer.

Chesonis-Gonzalez faced the harsh reality of having both triple-negative breast cancer, known for its aggressive nature and lack of certain hormone receptors, and hormone receptor-positive invasive ductal carcinoma—both located in her left breast. Dr. Starr Mautner, her breast surgical oncologist, explained that such a simultaneous diagnosis is rare, occurring in only 5 to 6% of breast cancer patients.

Beginning Treatment

As the school year commenced, so did her treatment. Chesonis-Gonzalez began a rigorous four-month chemotherapy regimen aimed at reducing the size of her tumors. The isolation of those sessions weighed heavily on her, grappling with the psychological challenges of undergoing treatment alone due to strict hospital visitor restrictions. Friends and family did what they could from afar, leaving comforting meals and notes on her porch as her husband participated in oncology consultations from the parking lot.

Surgery and Recovery

The next step in her treatment plan was a bilateral mastectomy, which she chose in a bid to alleviate the anxiety of future cancer risks in her remaining breast. With the anxiety of a possible recurring diagnosis looming, she confronted this significant surgery alone once again.

Post-surgery life wasn’t easy. Physical therapy became a crucial part of her recovery as she focused on regaining movement to facilitate forthcoming radiation treatments. It was a challenging journey, but she eventually reached her goal, allowing her to proceed with daily photon radiation sessions targeting her right breast.

A Positive Outcome

Fast forward ten months, and Chesonis-Gonzalez’s ordeal bore fruit—her oncologist shared the good news: no signs of cancer were detected in her samples. Following six months of healing, she completed her journey with reconstructive surgery, replacing her tissue expanders with implants. Now, three years later, she is nearing the end of maintenance endocrine therapy, a critical measure to help prevent cancer recurrence.

Why Early Detection is Key: Insights from Medical Experts

Breast cancer screening is a life-saving practice. One in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, according to Dr. Mautner. Regular mammograms, starting at age 40, are crucial for early detection. Doctors recommend that those with a family history, genetic predispositions, or dense breast tissue inquire about additional screening options such as breast MRIs, which can detect abnormalities that mammograms might miss.

It’s essential to be aware of symptoms that could signal breast cancer’s presence. Persistent armpit pain, like what Chesonis-Gonzalez experienced, could indicate a more advanced stage of cancer. Other warning signs include unexpected nipple discharge, skin redness, changes in the nipple, or any unusual lumps in the breast.

Although screening rates took a hit during the pandemic, they have gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels. Chesonis-Gonzalez's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of not neglecting health screenings—even in the most challenging times. Her experience underscores the message: Stay informed, prioritize routine check-ups, and listen to your body. Your health can depend on it.