In March of 2014, Sue Isenhower had a lot on her plate. She had retired from teaching at Moody Elementary and had since become a very successful realtor. Because of her busy schedule, she almost skipped out on her annual checkup. Fortunately, she decided to make herself go.

The appointment consisted of the typical examination and mammogram. What was abnormal was the second mammogram — and Sue being informed that a radiologist was being called in to read it.

While Sue was concerned about the situation, she wasn’t too worried because she had never felt a lump and had no reason to suspect she was anything less than healthy. It came as quite a shock when the radiologist reported that there was a concerning shadow in the mammogram and requested that she had a sonogram performed by a surgeon.

After two sonograms, the surgeon determined Sue had breast cancer. Surgery was the next step. But because she went in for her annual mammogram, doctors were able to catch the cancer while it was still in stage 1.

The surgeon performed a lumpectomy, and Sue completed six weeks of spot radiation in August.

“Mammograms can save your life,” Sue said. “They gave me a better chance to live by detecting mine early.”

Sue is a strong advocate for restricting any extra intake of estrogen. She was previously taking it and has quit since her diagnosis.

“I strongly encourage women to not take additional estrogen,” Sue said. “That’s one of my biggest platforms — just don’t take it. It’s not worth you heightening your risk for breast cancer.”

Alongside limiting estrogen intake, Sue also believes that making personal health a priority is essential to a healthy future. In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, she thinks one of the most important steps you can take is by to value your health.

“You have to make your own life a priority,” Sue said. “Be a voice for yourself. Your health doesn’t seem like a pressing priority until you are faced with the chance of losing it.”

If you are already going through a health crisis, Sue advises seeking out people for support. Whether it’s family, friends, or support groups, the encouragement she received from the people in her life made all the difference for her.

Keeping your own heath in the forefront of your mind is essential to remaining healthy. Having her annual mammogram allowed Sue’s cancer to be caught early enough that she could beat it.

“Get a mammogram,” Sue said. “You have the time. If you don’t take the time, you could very well lose a lot more than just time.”