Debbie Murphy

New advanced technology empowers breast cancer patient to make informed decisions on her healthcare

Breast cancer had been a part of Debbie Murphy’s life for as long as she could remember. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47 and her sister at age 45. Both of her grandmothers were diagnosed with breast cancer. Debbie felt that her own cancer diagnosis was inevitable. “In my mind it wasn’t if I was going to get breast cancer but when was I going to get breast cancer,” she said.

Debbie’s concerns about her family history of cancer are warranted. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5% to 10% of breast cancer is hereditary. This means that some people inherit a gene mutation that gives them a higher risk for developing breast, ovarian and other forms of cancer. 

Debbie was vigilant in monitoring her body for cancer, getting regular mammograms, breast MRI's and biopsies when indicated. In December, she went to get a routine mammogram, and the results showed some abnormalities. Her physician wanted to do further testing and get a sample of the concerning area, but Debbie hesitated at the thought of getting another biopsy. “I think I had 9 biopsies, which were all benign,” she said. “It is one of the most painful things anybody can go through.” 

The thought of dealing with another biopsy and the underlying worry that this time might yield a cancer diagnosis was taking a physical and emotional toll on Debbie. When she discussed her apprehension with her primary care physician, Dr. James Reed, he informed her of a new technology available at HCA Florida Blake Hospital called contrast enhanced mammography. This type of mammography provides MRI-quality images, allowing the radiologist to more accurately identify cancerous cells and disregard benign lesions. 

HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s chief of radiology, Dr. Philip Blaustein, describes the technology as a game-changer. “We are so fortunate to have this type of technology in our community,” said Dr. Blaustein. “It creates a much better picture to evaluate and helps identify cancer earlier and with more accuracy.” Dr. Blaustein’s expert eye is further enhanced by artificial intelligence that reviews the contrast-enhanced mammogram images and applies a percentage chance that lesions in the breast are cancerous. 

Debbie decided to go to Blake for the contrast enhanced mammography. Unfortunately, the results of her screening were ominous and warranted further investigation. Dr. Blaustein performed an ultrasound-guided biopsy, a more efficient and comfortable form of biopsy, which confirmed their concerns. Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

It was a sobering moment, but one that Debbie had been long expecting. “I had been planning for this for a long time,” said Debbie. “Now you need to get to the next point, which is what am I going to do with this information?”

Debbie had already started formulating a treatment plan, preparing herself to get a double mastectomy. She felt this was the way to attack the cancer at its core and have relief from the worry that it would return. She watched her family have tough battles with breast cancer, and her own sister wished that she had gotten a mastectomy early on in her diagnosis. “I’m a very decisive person,” said Debbie. “When I plan something and make a decision, I very rarely go back on it.”

However, when she sought the expert advice from several physicians, she learned that in this case, a lumpectomy procedure was equally as effective as a mastectomy. This came as a welcomed surprise to Debbie. The less invasive procedure would allow for a quick recovery. The lumpectomy was only possible because the cancer was diagnosed early and didn’t yet have the opportunity to grow and spread. Debbie’s diligent testing regimen was providing her options for her healthcare.

When it came to having the surgery, she chose Dr. Heidi Emrani, a breast surgical oncologist at HCA Florida Blake Surgical Specialists. She met Dr. Emrani about a week after she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, Debbie cancelled her follow-up appointment, wanting to go to a different facility that focused solely on cancer. That’s when she received a phone call from a number she didn’t recognize. Debbie let the call go to voicemail. 

“It was Dr. Emrani,” said Debbie. “She left me a voicemail asking if I was doing ok.” It brought Debbie to tears and she told her husband, “You do not find doctors that take that kind of personal care. That sealed the deal for me.” Ten days later, Debbie was having surgery to remove her cancer. 

The lumpectomy surgery was successful and just five months later Debbie is moving forward with her life full speed ahead. In March, the same month she had surgery, Debbie became a Longboat Key county commissioner, representing the 5^th district. Her goal as commissioner is to preserve the integrity and beauty of the island with infrastructure projects addressing emerging ecological issues. 

Her concern for the wellbeing of others is evident in her public service, which is why she wanted to share the story about her battle with cancer and the lessons she learned. “As a woman, you don’t necessarily know everything you need to know to be able to make decisions,” she said. 

Dr. Emrani echoed these thoughts, saying there have been great advancements in how breast cancer is now detected and treated, but that means “medical decision making from diagnostic testing to surgical management and multidisciplinary treatment options has gotten more complex."

Debbie encourages women to advocate for themselves and ask a lot of questions. “You have to take responsibility of your health,” Debbie said. She encourages people not to be overwhelmed by the process. “Do these appointments you need to do,” she said. “People that are careful about their bodies and their health will be paid back.”

Mammograms play a crucial role in early detection of breast cancer, enabling timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes. “The risk of death from breast cancer is reduced 40% to 50% in women that get screened versus women that don’t get screened,” said Dr. Blaustein referencing several large randomized controlled trials. “Please come get screened.” 

When it comes to her fight against breast cancer, Debbie is not certain her story is over. “If I ever have to do this again, the thing that gives me peace of mind is that this technology is available and Blake has an extremely professional and empathetic staff,” she said. “I know when I walk in the door, I’m going to feel like I’m in a good place.” 

To schedule a mammogram, visit HCA Florida Blake Hospital or call (866) 463-7004. HCA Florida Blake hospital also now offers genetic testing for people with a family history of cancer. The test helps determine your risk for hereditary forms of cancer and provides guidance for earlier screening, risk-reducing practices and preventive options. Understanding your risk of hereditary forms of cancer can help you make better decisions about your ongoing healthcare. Learn more by calling (941) 798-6201.