Breast ultrasound technologist: The day I became my mother’s caregiver

After working so hard to persuade my mom to get a mammogram last fall, it was startling to learn there was actually an area of concern in her left breast. When we found out it was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or stage 0 breast cancer, it was pretty shocking for both of us.

At first, I was a little worried. But I was also very hopeful. Because as a breast ultrasound technologist at MD Anderson The Woodlands, I see this kind of thing every day. I’ve also seen the wonderful results many of our patients have achieved, after being treated here for exactly the same type of cancer my mom had.

I stayed by her side right from Day 1. I took my mom to all of her appointments and treatments, and offered words of encouragement whenever she needed them.

At first, I just told her to try not to worry. I realize that’s easier said than done, but the cancer hadn’t spread anywhere else, and I knew she was in good hands at MD Anderson. This was just the beginning. 

But as time went on, my new mantra became “one step at a time,” because I guess I didn’t realize how many appointments would be involved. In the first month alone, it seemed like there were at least a dozen, and they were a mix of everything: imaging, biopsies, consultations, pre-op procedures, lab work, EKGs and more.

I know now how necessary all of those appointments are to providing our patients with the best possible outcomes. Doing things in the right order is critical, and my mother’s doctors wanted to make sure everything was just so before starting her treatment. 

So, when I hear other patients expressing similar concerns today, I just smile and tell them to take it step by step. Yes, it’s going to feel overwhelming at times. But don’t try to rush the process. Just take it one step at a time. You’ll get there.

Judy Garcia is a breast ultrasound technologist at MD Anderson The Woodlands.

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