Mandy Lee credits her faith in God and support from family, friends and community as she battles breast cancer.
Lee was diagnosed in 2023 at age 44 with Stage One, Triple Positive (estrogen, progesterone, and HER 2 Positive) breast cancer.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Trey, for 26 years, Lee is blessed with two daughters, Emilia and Ella. She teaches Heathcare Science at Ware County High School and has a background as a registered respiratory therapist.
IN HER OWN WORDS: I have a high genetic predisposition for breast cancer. My mother, maternal grandmother and maternal aunt have all been diagnosed. Because of this, I began having mammograms at the age of 32. My mother was diagnosed at 42.
After a couple of abnormal mammograms which required further testing, a decision had to be made about how to best monitor my health threat. I had a checkup with Nurse Practitioner Scott Jacobs and discussed my family history of breast cancer and the recent abnormal mammograms. Jacobs asked if I was willing to see a medical oncologist and have genetic testing, to which I agreed.
I met with Oncologist Dr. Jha, and the genetic testing revealed I do not carry a known gene for breast cancer. I was relieved, however, Dr. Jha was still cautious. He referred me to Savannah to a breast specialist.
I had a mammogram, then six months later I had a breast MRI with contrast. I was monitored by Dr. Jha to ensure I was followed closely.
I had a breast MRI with contrast in which a suspicious area was discovered. This required further testing, including a breast ultrasound and an ultrasound guided needle biopsy.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 13, 2024. I was shocked when I received the call. Even though I knew there was a possibility through all of the testing, I did not think I would have breast cancer. I did monthly exams, and even when I knew the location of the possible cancer, I could not feel it. I probably denied the possibility. I was busy with family, teaching, and with life.
It was a whirlwind after that. I saw the breast surgeon the following day. My husband and I, our families and close friends prayed concerning the diagnosis and what the treatments would mean for our family.
After discussing options with my breast surgeon, Dr. William Burak, I decided to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction with Dr. Patrick Buchanan. Both surgeries were performed at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga. Once we received the final pathology results, I returned to Dr. Jha, who recommended chemotherapy once a week for twelve weeks with Taxol and the immunotherapy drug Herceptin once every three weeks for one year. After finishing chemotherapy, I began taking Tamoxifen, a hormone blocker, for three to five years.
I credit getting through this with my faith in God, as He has provided peace and strength for me. I am so thankful for all the prayers of our family, friends, co-worker family and community.
I also credit the excellent physicians who cared for and continue to care for me, as well as Nurse Practitioner Scott Jacobs who originally referred me to an oncologist for further evaluation.
My advice for others is to get regular screenings, even if you are healthy and in good physical condition. Remember, you are not alone. God will be with you if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He will provide peace and comfort.
