30 Sep 2024 A life-saving lesson

By the time Pauline Stancil uncovered her breast cancer, the disease had progressed to Stage IV. The previous fall, she had gone in for her annual mammogram and received a normal report. Her health care team at the time said there was no needed follow-up—just the traditional reminder to make an appointment for the following year. But something felt off.

While blow-drying her hair a month later, her gut instinct was affirmed when she saw noticeable, unusual sagging in her breasts. In the weeks following, she saw pulling from behind and inversion of her nipple. The physical signs were undeniable. She repeatedly contacted her then-physician’s office to reread her mammogram to no avail. 

In January, Pauline changed course and made an appointment at The Breast Center at CARTI. Under the trusted care of Stacy Smith-Foley, MD, swift progress followed. She underwent a diagnostic 3D mammogram and additional imaging to confirm what she suspected—breast cancer.

Through an intensive diagnosis process, CARTI uncovered that Pauline had peritoneal cancer. This uncommon disease develops in the peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen and its inner organs, including the uterus and bladder. The pathology report later showed the peritoneal cancer as the root cause of her breast cancer, which was a result of metastasis. 

Pauline’s journey is unique. Her diagnosis was late because, before entering CARTI’s doors, “No one would listen.” Once in the CARTI system, she said that quickly changed. Her medical team took quick, thorough actions. To date, she’s received seven chemotherapy treatments and two surgeries performed by Yara Robertson, MD, FACS, and Kathryn Kennedy, MD, FACOG.

While Pauline recognizes the crucial value of early detection tools, she also stresses the importance of patients speaking up. She wants women to learn from her experience. Her body was telling her something, but it took a switch to CARTI to be heard. If other women encounter a similar situation, seek a second opinion. In her words, “Don’t give up until somebody listens.”

Facing cancer hasn’t been an easy road—far from it. However, Pauline remarks it’s been a journey filled with “such wonderful people” who “make her feel like family.” As she recovers, she looks forward to taking advantage of services like weekly virtual yoga offered by The Bridge, CARTI’s patient support platform. She encourages others to seek fellow patients’ “real-world stories,” lean on loved ones, take control where able and surround themselves with positivity. 

Pauline believes everyone should be their own best advocates. Along with listening to their bodies, women 40 years and older should receive annual mammograms. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, CARTI is hosting Mammograms and Muffins on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may call 501.537.MAMO. In October and year-round, women can always ask for The Breast Center at CARTI if they have questions about their breast health.