Marina Leonard
Benign Right Breast Mass
“My name is Marina Leonard and in December 2019, I had a mammogram which revealed a suspicious mass in my right breast.
I was sent to do an ultrasound which also revealed that it was suspicious for malignancy. In January 2020, I had a core needle biopsy of my right breast. The results were benign and I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma, however, I was told to do a follow up mammogram in about six months. Then coronavirus hit. I ended up having a mammogram in October 2020. My doctor called me and told me that I had to have an excisional biopsy of the same mass that was initially found in December 2019. I thought it was a mistake so I had another mammogram and I got a second opinion and the doctor reviewing that second image also told me that I should have an excisional biopsy.
I ended up having surgery in December 2020. Thankfully, the results from the mass that was removed came back benign. The surgeon who removed the mass told me it was good that I had the mass removed because they can turn into cancer later on. I now have to do another mammogram in six months to make sure all is clear.
The prospect of having cancer is terrifying, especially after seeing others around me go through it. I lost my grandmother to colon cancer so I understand exactly how traumatic the battle can be. Telling my family that I may have cancer was also very hard to do, especially since I’m an only child — and the thought of having my young child possibly grow up without her mother was unimaginable. I had just moved into my new home and it was hard to enjoy it — always waiting for results and medical procedures. I also had to take time off work for surgery and for my recovery, which was hard since work was already strained by the pandemic.
Even with insurance, I still had to pay a $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance which resulted in expenses equal to thousands of dollars for testing and surgery. These expenses were not something I had ever planned, especially during the coronavirus pandemic when finances were already strained.
CSVI provided me with exactly the support I needed. They also made me feel that someone really cared about the whole situation which was frustrating and very scary at times, especially not knowing what would happen next. This organization gives hope to those that need it the most. Cancer is not only frightening, but also changes your life, so anything that can bring in a little light into that dark tunnel is great to have. Cancer Support VI is that light.”
Cancer Support VI has been assisting Virgin Islanders like Marina since 2005. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer and needs assistance please contact Anique Harrigan, CSVI Patient Advocate at anique.harrigan@cancersupportvi.com or call 340.514.8647.