Throughout her life, Regina Lewis was faithful about getting annual mammograms. But even with the regular checkups, she still found herself battling a 6-centimeter tumor. 

In December of 2013, Regina went for her annual checkup at her gynecologist. Her monogram showed something under her arm, and her doctor wanted it further examined. She was referred to a breast surgeon, who performed a biopsy.

The results showed that she had breast cancer. Because the cancer had moved to her lymph nodes, a bi-lateral mastectomy was the only option for removal. During the procedure, they also removed 15 lymph nodes because the cancer cells had already spread.

In February of 2014, Regina’s long road to recovery began. It started with chemotherapy, which lasted for six months. The first four treatments were a type of chemo known as the “Red Devil” because of the strength of the dosage. After those, Regina was able to reduce the intensity of the treatments.

“Chemo was hard,” Regina said. “You hear that, but going through it is something unexplainable. You definitely learn that you are stronger than you think you are.”

Her family and friends were there to support her throughout her treatment. Her husband was by her side for every appointment she had and friends were constantly reaching out to her with encouragement.

After completing chemo, the radiation portion of her treatment began. Regina had 28 rounds of radiation, five days a week.

After finishing up treatment, it was time for reconstructive surgery. Regina made the decision to have a total hysterectomy done while she was in surgery. Where breast cancer is present, cervical cancer is known to be of a heightened risk.

“After going through breast cancer, the last thing I wanted to deal with was cervical cancer,” Regina said. “I was not willing to risk putting my body through cancer again.”

Looking back on her journey, Regina is thankful she was dedicated to having annual mammograms. The regular checkups were the reason her cancer was caught when it was, before it had gone further.

“All I can say to other women is to have your mammograms done,” Regina said. “My checkups didn’t catch mine early, but it did catch it, and I don’t want to think about what it would have been like had I not had mine done annually.”

When the tumor is towards the back of the chest wall like Regina’s, self-examinations can’t catch it. The only way to have it detected is by having mammograms performed on a regular basis.