Advanced breast cancer screening at Sacred Heart Gulf saves Port St. Joe business owner

Kathy Sheets is one of many women who has benefited from 3D mammogram screenings at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center in Port St. Joe, FL . After seeing a sign for the center, she made an appointment for a 3D screening mammogram that increases the chances of detecting breast cancer at a more treatable stage.

Before visiting Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center, Kathy's last mammogram was seven years ago. After receiving an abnormal mammogram, she underwent additional testing, including a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The testing revealed a breast tumor that was around the width of a pencil eraser. She was referred to Alison Moody, MD, a breast oncology surgeon at Ascension Sacred Heart who performed surgery to remove the tumor. 

Kathy said she felt supported every step of the way. “Dr. Moody was personable; I could tell that she cared. I was also assigned a breast navigator who checked on me and sent me resources,” she said. 

Kathy, who owns Sweet Bunz Donuts in Port St. Joe, continued to work throughout her treatment. She recently completed her radiation treatment and went on a cruise. She will have follow-up mammograms and said she’ll continue to use Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center because of its convenience and friendly staff.

“Having this service close to home is very important to me, especially as a small business owner,” she said.
The breast cancer survivor is also encouraging other women to get their annual mammograms. Kathy said she has ministered to other women who are going through a similar diagnosis. 

The Sacred Heart Women’s Diagnostic Center began offering 3D mammograms a year ago. With continued community support, Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf will soon have a newly renovated Women’s Diagnostic Center designed with a woman’s comfort and convenience in mind.

To learn more or to make an appointment, visit our Ascension Sacred Heart mammography services web site.