As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Hazlehurst Now continues sharing the personal stories of women in our community whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
For Hazlehurst resident Dawn Bridges, a routine mammogram in January 2020 led to a diagnosis that would change her life. Through early detection, difficult decisions, the unwavering support of her family, and a deep faith in God, Dawn found strength and a renewed appreciation for life’s blessings.
Today, she shares her journey in her own words, hoping to encourage other women to prioritize their health, advocate for themselves, and never lose hope.
My Story
by: Dawn Bridges
My breast cancer journey began when I was called back for an ultrasound following my routine mammogram in January 2020. I wasn’t particularly concerned because I had needed follow-up ultrasounds before due to fibrocystic breast changes. But this time was different. The ultrasound revealed a suspicious area that required a biopsy, and my doctor referred me to Dr. Randy Cooper at University Hospital’s Breast Health Center in Augusta.
The initial biopsies were inconclusive. Because fibrocystic breast changes can make abnormalities more difficult to detect on mammograms, an MRI was ordered. The MRI revealed additional suspicious areas in my left breast, and on March 13, 2020, I received my diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma.
Thankfully, my cancer was detected early, at stage 1. However, with a family history that included my maternal grandmother, who died of metastatic breast cancer, and my maternal aunt, who was battling the same disease, I immediately decided to have a double mastectomy. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life waiting for cancer to develop in my other breast.
My insurance company initially approved only a single mastectomy. I told my case manager that I wasn’t willing to take no for an answer, and with her help, I received approval for the double mastectomy. Pathology following my surgery confirmed what I had felt in my heart—there were precancerous changes in my right breast.
I was incredibly blessed that my cancer was caught early, was not aggressive, and did not require chemotherapy or radiation. Today, I am grateful to celebrate six years cancer-free!
I know that my journey has been easier than what many women face, and my heart goes out to those who have endured far more difficult battles. If there is one thing I hope other women take away from my story, it’s the importance of early detection. Don’t put off your mammograms. Know your family history, pay attention to changes in your body, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request additional screening when something doesn’t seem right. If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, learn everything you can about your cancer and treatment options, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Breast cancer changed me not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. After my diagnosis, I became more proactive about my health, making an effort to eat more nutritious foods and get more exercise. Most importantly, my faith grew stronger. God gave me strength throughout my journey, and I am so grateful for His healing and the many blessings He has given me. One of those blessings is my family, whose love and support throughout my initial surgery and reconstruction meant more to me than I can express. They helped make the difficult days easier, and I will always be thankful for the love and care they gave me.
My prayer is that sharing my story encourages another woman to be proactive about her health, gives hope to someone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, and serves as a reminder that even on the worst days, God is faithful.
Dawn lives in Hazlehurst with her husband, Stacy. They are blessed with three children, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren, all of whom bring tremendous joy to their lives.
