Bilateral Breast Cancer Survivor: Becky's Story

Becky Mullins, 68, believes everything happens for a reason. She recalled thinking, late in 2024, “God was preparing me for something.” While visiting her grandchildren in November of that year, her five-year-old grandson accidentally elbowed her right breast. “It hurt so badly, I screamed,” remembers Becky. Over the next couple months, her breast continued aching and a lump appeared – coincidentally, around the time she was scheduled for a routine physical. Becky mentioned the lump’s appearance to her primary care doctor, Anne Jaeger, MD. Dr. Jaeger ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound. Imaging revealed that the lump, from the November injury, was not a concern. However, tests uncovered two suspected areas of cancer in her right breast. Becky was then referred to Dr. Jolene Henshaw, a board-certified general surgeon with LewisGale Physicians Breast Care. 

While Becky’s routine mammogram in September did not detect abnormalities. The diagnostic testing, prompted by the appearance of the lump in her left breast, was what revealed the Stage I breast cancer. Had Becky not voiced her concern about the lump – in spite of having recently had a routine mammogram screening - and had she waited another nine months for her annual routine screening, her treatment journey would have been quite different. 

Medicare insurance covered the cost of a single mastectomy for the right breast - where the suspicious area had been discovered.  “In my own research I discovered that cancer often appears later in the other breast, so I felt that I wanted to have a double mastectomy,” recalls Becky. Without a diagnosis of breast cancer in both breasts, coverage provided for the diagnosed area only.  It was at that point Becky performed a careful self-examination of her left breast where she found additional small lumps. “Dr. Jaeger had always encouraged me to be on top of my health screenings, so I was diligent in performing regular breast self-examinations, but this time I really took my time and by being slow and methodical and using the correct pressure, I found lumps in my left breast, too.” 

An ultrasound on her left breast revealed a small area of cancer. “I really felt that God had pointed me in the direction to find the lumps,” says Becky. “Had my grandson not elbowed me, I would not have discovered my cancer until much later.” With a bilateral breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Henshaw recommended a double mastectomy which was performed on Becky in July at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem. Fortunately, no lymph nodes were involved, shaping Becky’s treatment plan.  A few weeks following her bilateral mastectomy, Becky began a 12-week round of chemotherapy followed by immunotherapy infusions every three weeks for one year. Additionally, Becky will take a hormone blocker for five to 10 years following the conclusion of therapy. 

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with a one in eight chance that a woman will develop it in her lifetime. Becky’s great-grandmother and an aunt had endured a breast cancer diagnosis though genetic testing did not demonstrate an inherited link to Becky’s diagnosed breast cancer. 

Today, Becky says she “feels better than ever” and has even added weightlifting to her exercise regimen. Thinking back, she reflects, “My Christian faith really got me through my cancer diagnosis, and I had a great support team.” Becky also commended her team and knows how important it is to be your own best advocate, too, “Dr. Henshaw was wonderful, and her staff took exceptional care of me. Be sure to do your self-checks and get regular mammograms, no matter your age.” 

Learn more about Jolene Henshaw, MD by visiting LewisGale Physicians webpage.  
To schedule your mammogram, call LewisGale Physicians Breast Care call (540) 443-0093