Kim Parrott, a Human Resources employee at Piedmont Henry Hospital, has a long family history of breast cancer that has led her to receive regular mammograms since she was 34. Parrott’s mother, aunt, grandmother and two cousins were all diagnosed with breast cancer in their early 40s.

After discovering a lump in her breast in July 2016, Parrott immediately made an appointment with a doctor at Piedmont Henry where a biopsy confirmed the lump was, in fact, breast cancer.

“I knew something was wrong when they wouldn’t give me the results over the phone,” said Parrott, who was 46 years old at the time. “There was a mix of emotions; I was worried, scared and hopeful – all at the same time.”

Not only was she lucky that her cancer was detected so early, Parrott was also able to take advantage of the services provided by Piedmont Henry Breast Health Center. Her treatment started with a bilateral mastectomy to remove her breast, followed by 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Then, she underwent six weeks of radiation treatment at Piedmont Henry’s Radiation Oncology Center.

“I couldn’t have asked for better care,” Parrott said. “The entire staff, from the nurses to the doctors, were all amazing.”

After her last radiation session in April 2017, Parrott rang the bell at Piedmont Henry’s Radiation Oncology to signal the completion of her cancer treatment and the beginning of a healthy new life.

Now cancer-free, Parrott is back to work and grateful to put everything behind her. She credits the excellent care from the doctors and staff, as well as the support from her family and co-workers, for getting her through the tough times.

“Life is short, so you have to make every moment count, said Parrott. “Anything can change in a moment.”

Parrott is among the 12 percent of women in the United States who will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Regular screening mammograms, breast self-exams and yearly breast exams by your physician can help detect breast cancer at an early stage.

“When it comes to breast cancer, early detection can save lives,” said Davis Scott Timbert, M.D., the surgical breast specialist at Piedmont Henry who treated Parrott. “It is critical for women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, to talk to their doctors about their risks and screening options.”

For more information or to schedule a mammogram appointment, visit piedmont.org.