Early Detection, Advanced Hope

For more than 40 years, Norma Livingston has called Adventist Health Castle her second home.

She began her career as a phone operator in 1985 and has seen the hospital grow into a center for advanced, patient-focused care. Last year, that mission became personal.

“I had my yearly mammogram, and they found something abnormal,” she says. “A week later, I got the news that I had breast cancer.” Norma shares how she benefited from the hospital’s advanced cancer care from the very beginning.

The discovery

Norma’s cancer diagnosis started with a routine mammogram. She had a tiny lump in her breast, so minuscule that it may not have been seen on a traditional 2D mammogram. Adventist Health Castle uses the advanced Hologic 3Dimensions mammography system, which provides a clearer, more detailed look at the breast tissue and uses artificial intelligence to quickly identify suspicious areas. “3D mammography goes above and beyond the standard of care and gives a robust view of breast tissue,” says Jacob Shreve, MD, a hematologist and oncologist at Adventist Health Castle. “As a result, more cancers can be found at an earlier stage.”

Norma’s cancer was stage 1A, meaning the tumor was small and contained, with no spread to her lymph nodes, making the cancer easier to treat. “That gave me a lot of hope,” she says.

Confidence in her care

When she met with her care team, including general surgeon Jacqueline Lee, MD, and Dr. Shreve, Norma says her hope grew. “It was scary hearing that I had cancer,” she says, “but once I talked to the doctors, I started to think, I can do this. I can get through this.”

Because Norma’s tumor was so small, Dr. Lee was able to surgically remove the tumor. After her surgery, Norma underwent four weeks of radiation therapy. And at her six-month follow-up appointment she received happy news.

“Dr. Shreve said, ‘Your cancer is basically gone,’” she recalls. “I thank God for that every day.”

Excellence close by Norma says that she is grateful to have Adventist Health Castle in the community — not just as an employee, but as someone who has personally experienced care and compassion from its providers. “The whole journey here, from the 3D mammogram to surgery and testing, was perfect,” she says. “This is how they treat everyone, not just their employees. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for care.”

To schedule a screening call 808-263-5166 to book a 3D mammogram at Adventist Health Castle.