At her annual physical in the spring of 2021, Misty Gordon’s primary care provider suggested she schedule her first mammogram. Misty had recently turned 40, and while she knew it was recommended, she kept putting it off.
“I really had no desire to do it,” Misty says. “I had no symptoms, no family history to my knowledge, and really just didn’t want to go through the process.”
As a busy mom of two teenagers, 16-year-old Lauren and 15-year-old Landon, Misty had plenty on her plate. When she wasn’t managing mom duties, she was making her next travel plans, adding to her shoe collection, and belting out Beyoncé lyrics. A mammogram just didn’t feel urgent — until she reminded herself why it mattered.
“As a mother, I not only wanted to do it for myself, but also for those I love,” Misty says.
A mammogram makes a difference
Despite her apprehension, Misty scheduled her mammogram for November 2021. Walking into the imaging center, her nerves were palpable.
“The tech asked how I was doing, and I told her I was scared,” Misty says. “She was so kind and explained everything to me to help ease my fears. And even though it was uncomfortable and awkward to hold my body in different positions for the X-rays, I was surprised at how quick it was over!”
After the scan, the technician noticed something unusual. With no baseline to compare against – since it was Misty’s first mammogram – a follow-up was recommended. What began as a routine test soon led to an ultrasound and then a biopsy. By January 2022, Misty received news that would forever alter her life: she was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer.
Fighting back
Once the reality of her diagnosis set it, Misty’s focus turned to treatment. A series of tests set the stage for an aggressive treatment plan that kicked off in April 2022 – 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiation soon followed.
Throughout her treatment, Misty says her care team, led by surgical oncologist Dr. Lejla Hadzikadic Gusic and medical oncologist Dr. Antoinette Tan with Atrium Health Levine Cancer, became like family.
“I trusted their wisdom,” Misty says. “Although it’s not under circumstances in which I’d want to have to meet them, I’m super grateful for my care team. From my oncologists to the people who helped schedule my appointments, they were all top tier, and I love them dearly. They made such a scary time less scary.”
Midway through treatment, a follow-up mammogram delivered the best news Misty could imagine: chemotherapy was working, and the tumor was shrinking. By the time her surgery came around, her doctor couldn’t detect the lump at all.
“When I got the report back from my doctor that there was no sign of cancer, I cried,” Misty says. “I couldn’t believe it wasn’t there anymore.”
To minimize the chance of recurrence, Misty underwent 30 additional days of radiation. In early 2023, she finished her treatment and was officially declared cancer-free.
Support beyond treatment
Misty also found support through the Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program, which offers age-specific resources tailored for young women facing a diagnosis.
“The program was a key that opened the door to countless resources through Levine Cancer and the community,” Misty says. “The community support felt like a warm hug to those going through treatment.”
She joined monthly support groups, attended educational forums, and benefited from services like oncology massage, nutrition classes and financial support through a dedicated social worker.
One of the most impactful resources Misty has utilized is the program’s psycho-oncology services, which continues to help her cope with the emotional toll of her diagnosis and treatment. She says ongoing therapy and counseling are an integral part of her recovery.
“Being diagnosed at a young age, or any age, is mentally taxing!” Misty says. “It was definitely a physical burden, but I don’t think people understand the emotional toll it takes on a person. And even though treatment is over physically, I’m still navigating the emotional scars it left behind.”
Living life to the fullest
Misty continues to embrace each day with renewed gratitude. She keeps up with regular checkups – visiting her oncologists every six months and continuing her annual mammograms. To mark her clear scans, she and her children celebrated with a well-deserved cruise. Even during treatment, Misty found ways to create unforgettable moments. A lifelong Beyoncé fan, she attended a concert holding up a sign that read, “Chemo won’t break my soul.” The Queen B herself acknowledged Misty from the stage.
Looking back on her cancer journey, Misty is especially grateful for two things: her mammogram and the genetic testing she underwent during treatment.
“As a family, we don’t always talk about everything,” Misty says. “Through the testing, I found out there’s a line of cancer on both sides of my family. It’s important to have those historical conversations so you can be aware and get the preventive screenings you need. Now my kids are knowledgeable about this history and can advocate for themselves sooner.”
A message to other women
Misty’s story is a powerful reminder of the benefits of early detection. Her tumor was hidden deep within her breast – something she might never have discovered on her own.
“It was so deep in there … luckily, the mammogram detected it. Otherwise, I may never have known it was there. It could have been a completely different experience. It could have been a different outcome.”
For women hesitant to schedule their mammograms, Misty has one piece of advice:
“Do it scared,” Misty says. “If you’re fearful, do it anyway. The reality of being a woman is that breast cancer is more common than anyone would hope, so we have to be vigilant with our bodies. If it helps ease your mind, you can take someone with you or treat yourself to something after your appointment. But just get it done.”
As for the future, Misty is looking forward to more travel, more cherished moments with her kids, and more of the life she fought so hard to keep.
Learn more about breast cancer care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.
