In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide, people grappled with fear and uncertainty, leading many to postpone routine medical appointments. Among them was Morgen Chesonis-Gonzalez, a clinical art therapist from Miami, who skipped her annual screenings—a decision that would have dire consequences.

It wasn't until August, when persistent pain in her armpit prompted her to finally book a mammogram, that she began to uncover the gravity of her situation. The experience felt surreal, akin to a scene from a science fiction movie, amplified by the hospital’s pandemic protocols. Alone, with her husband listening helplessly from the car, she heard the words that changed her life forever: she had two types of breast cancer.

Chesonis-Gonzalez was diagnosed with two distinct forms: triple-negative breast cancer, notorious for being more aggressive due to the absence of certain receptors, and hormone-receptor positive invasive ductal carcinoma. This rare combination—affecting only about 5% to 6% of breast cancer patients—necessitated a rigorous and aggressive treatment plan spearheaded by Dr. Starr Mautner, a leading breast surgical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute.

As the school year commenced, Chesonis-Gonzalez balanced the demands of remote teaching with her chemotherapy treatment—a regimen designed to shrink her tumors. However, the isolation during her sessions was overwhelming. Pandemic restrictions kept her from having anyone by her side, and while her family expressed their support from a distance, the emotional toll was significant. Her husband would attend oncology meetings by phone, taking notes from the parking lot, trying to bridge the gap of separation.

Following four grueling months of chemotherapy, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy driven by a desire to alleviate the anxiety of recurrence in her remaining breast. The surgery involved the placement of tissue expanders, which would facilitate future reconstruction.

Physical therapy played a crucial role in her recovery, focusing on regaining motion in her arms for radiation treatment—a process that tested her resilience but ultimately paid off. After ten months of intensive treatment, the cancer was no longer detectable, allowing her to proceed with the reconstruction that would provide a new sense of normalcy.

Now, three years post-diagnosis, Chesonis-Gonzalez is nearing the end of her maintenance endocrine therapy. Despite the battle she faced, she champions the importance of regular screenings and awareness. Statistics show that one in eight women will face breast cancer, making early detection vital. Dr. Mautner emphasizes that women should begin regular mammograms by age 40, especially those at higher risk due to genetic factors or family history.

Awareness of potential symptoms is equally crucial. Persistent armpit pain, changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or lumps can indicate serious issues. This battle underscores a critical message: health screenings can be lifesaving and should never be overlooked, even amid a global crisis.

As healthcare systems rebound from the pandemic-induced drop in screenings, let Chesonis-Gonzalez's story serve as a Wake-Up call. Don't wait—schedule your screening today and take control of your health!