SMH's High-Risk Breast Clinic leads to early Breast Cancer detection: Lisha's Story

Lisha Bonson has a family history of breast cancer, but she never imagined that she would be telling her story today as a breast cancer survivor.

Lisha's cancer journey began in October of 2022 after a routine mammogram where her Nurse Practitioner, Jodie Harrison, noticed some spots that she wanted to watch closer, making her a candidate for the SMH Regional Cancer Center's High-Risk Breast program. "I was on a path where I would do a mammogram and MRI every six months," Lisha states. After one of her MRIs in January 2023, everything changed when they found a spot on her chest bone that was not discovered on her screening mammogram.

"There was no lump or bump; they couldn't find what I had on a mammogram. If I did not receive the intense monitoring from the high-risk clinic, they would not have found it, as it was deep in my chest bone. They are the reason I found it." Lisha was diagnosed with estrogen-positive breast cancer, and since she was already a part of the high-risk breast program, she was able to easily transition into the new Comprehensive Cancer Care Clinic.

From there, Lisha could quickly meet with her medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon and microsurgeon all in one visit to review her options. "Before I knew it, I was in a room with everyone, terrified, not knowing what to do, but they absolutely cared quickly and did not sit on this." After meeting with her treatment team, Lisha decided to proceed with a double mastectomy. She found out the wonderful news that she did not have to receive chemotherapy or radiation and could focus on recovering and healing from surgery.

Today, Lisha is focused on continuing to heal and maintain her routine visits. As an active person before her cancer journey, she hopes to eventually get back to the lifestyle. While recovery has not been an easy process, she shares that her family, friends and faith have helped tremendously with her journey. "You have to have faith. Faith in God, Faith in your family and Faith in your doctors. I am very happy with the decision I made."
When asked about her experience at the SMH Regional Cancer Center, she shares, "I don't consider Slidell a big town, but for us to have something like the Comprehensive Cancer Clinic here that is a one-stop shop for cancer care, if you will, is very important."

Nurse Practitioner,Jodie Harrison shares “Lisha has been an amazing example of how our high risk breast clinic and comprehensive breast cancer clinic allow for a more multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of breast cancer. “

Some advice Lisha would like to give to those on a similar journey, "Meet and talk with as many people as you can. Ask the questions, and if you are comfortable, ask someone their story because everyone's cancer journey is different."