Katie was just 38 years old when breast cancer became part of her story. She had no lump. No pain. No symptoms. But with a family history of breast cancer and what she believes was a nudge from God, Katie asked her doctor for a mammogram. That one question changed her life.
As we continue sharing local stories during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Katie shares her journey in her own words — hoping it encourages other women to know their family history, advocate for themselves and ask the questions that could make all the difference.
I was 38 years old when breast cancer became a part of my story.
By: Katie Sellers
If you had asked me before my diagnosis whether I thought I was at risk, I probably would have said yes – although I never thought it would happen to me. I had a family history. My mother had experienced breast cancer, and she had undergone genetic testing. Nothing genetic was found that could explain why she developed it, but the thought was always in the back of my mind.
But, I didn’t have any symptoms. There was no lump. No pain. No changes that made me think something was wrong. Nothing. And yet something inside me told me I needed to ask my doctor for a mammogram. Because of my faith, I believe God was nudging me to pay attention. So, I asked, and the question that changed the course of my life. I asked for a mammogram.
The mammogram led to further testing, and I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS – also with no genetic factors. Hearing that diagnosis was frightening. I was young. I felt healthy. I had zero warning signs. I had gone looking for nothing and found something that could potentially change my life.
The decisions I faced and were hard. The unknown was hard. There is nothing simple about making a decision involving your body, your future, and the possibility of cancer returning. I had questions, fears, and moments I wondered if I was making the right choice. Because of my family history, I ultimately chose to have a double mastectomy – I felt it was the decision I needed to make for myself.
Today, when I look back, one of the things that stays with me the most isn’t the diagnosis – it’s the fact that I had NO symptoms. If I had waited for a lump, I might not have gone when I did. If I convinced myself I was too young, I would not have asked my doctor. If I would have ignored that nudge from God, my story could have turned out extremely different. I am grateful I listened to that nudge.
My experience taught me that your family history matters, knowing your own body matters, advocating for yourself matters, and sometimes, when something inside you says, “I need to get this checked,” it’s worth listening to.
My story is meant to encourage women. Ask the questions of your doctor, talk with them about what screenings you need and when they should begin. If something does not feel right- or even if you just feel like you need to ask – speak up.
All I did was ask for a mammogram – that one question changed my life. I hope this encourages one woman, if not many, to ask for the mammogram.
I truly could not have overcome this without my faith in God, my husband – who was with me EVERY step of the way, my children, my family and friends, and the encouraging women who have had to live this journey before me.
Katie lives in Hazlehurst with her husband, James. They have five children, Nikayla Ely, Kenley Martin, Sydney Everett, Kenneth Newton, and Jace Sellers
