When Truck Driver Cathy Brown discovered a lump on her breast one evening during a self-check, she didn’t panic. In fact, she thought at first it was probably a bone she somehow hadn’t noticed before.
Having previously tested positive for BRCA, the gene linked to hereditary breast cancer, she made a point of scheduling annual mammogram tests from her doctor. 2021 had been a busy year, however, and it had slipped from her mind. As she thought about it, Cathy realized several years had passed since her last examination.
The next day, on June 28th, 2021, Cathy met with her doctor and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recalls feeling the world around her stop when her doctor delivered the news. She understood then that a new chapter had begun. Life, as she knew it, would never be the same.
Although she admits to questioning why this happened to her, of all people—she has a good heart, helps people, works hard—Cathy rebounded quickly and vowed to continue fighting, praying, and working her job of 16 years driving a dump truck for Virginia Paving Company.
With the support of her devoted husband, family, and co-workers at VPC, Cathy has done just that. She is currently halfway through chemotherapy and gets behind the wheel, hauling material 3-4 days per week. She is on-schedule to complete treatment in January 2022, when she will begin radiation and undergo surgery for reconstruction.
Cathy is one of more than 280,000 women the American Cancer Society predicts will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. She is sharing her story to remind others to stay on top of their health, and to encourage women at Virginia Paving Company and elsewhere to schedule mammogram tests annually.
For information on how to schedule a mammogram, please contact Jennifer Gomsak, our Health and Wellness Specialist @704-621-1691 or email her at jennifer.gomsak@eurovia.us. You can also visit the United HealthCare website to Find an In-Network Doctor https://www.uhc.com/find-a-doctor. Mammograms are covered at 100% with a United Health Care In-Network Doctor. Do not wait, please schedule your appointment today and get checked! Preventative Health Screenings could save your life!