At 33, Silver Cross Nurse’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis Reinforces the Power of Early Detection

At 33, Silver Cross Nurse's Breast Cancer Diagnosis Reinforces the Power of Early Detection

Silver Cross nurse Alicia Schidzikowski (right) and breast surgeon Dr. Lauren Ghee celebrate the power of early detection and how recommended screenings can save lives.

Alicia Schidzikowski is proof positive that you can't be too careful when it comes to catching breast cancer early.

"All of my maternal aunts have had breast cancer, including one when she was 36," said Schidzikowski, a registered nurse in Interventional Radiology at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

"I decided at 31, I was going to get genetic testing, which is just a blood test. The test showed no markers, but with the family history and my dense breast tissue, we wanted to keep an eye on it."

So, every six months for the past two years, Schidzikowski had either an MRI or a mammogram. All was good until April this year.

"The MRI showed something in my left breast, but we thought it might have been just a benign nodule. They did an ultrasound and said there were definitely two different small spots in my left breast."

Even then, Schidzikowski, who had two biopsies previously, wasn't too worried.

"I even thought about delaying a follow-up visit with my doctor. But she called and said not to, and that I would need to see an oncologist.

"My world was turned upside down. I got the news while I was working at the hospital. And I just broke down and started crying. Here I am 33 and about to start my cancer journey."

Schidzikowski said it was tough on her husband, Matthew, as well. Married for nine years, they have a boy and a girl ages 5 and 6.

"They were ready to go on to school, and Matthew and I were ready to start a new chapter. And then I get cancer."

Because of the regular monitoring, the cancer was very small and hadn't metastasized. Schidzikowski opted to have a double mastectomy, partly because of family history, but also because with no genetic markers, doctors weren't sure what was feeding the cancer.

Schidzikowski was off work for six weeks following surgery, but she was able to go back between her four chemotherapy sessions.

"I was tired and sometimes I didn't feel well, but my supervisor was absolutely wonderful. And now, I was able to see patients from their point of view. I could relate to them even better."

Schidzikowski said she still is tired but also notes that a 5- and a 6-year-old keep her pretty busy, as does her job at Silver Cross.

"Keeping busy helps. I still have my 'doom and gloom' times but I realize how fortunate I am. My doctor says there is a 95 percent chance the cancer will not recur."

She'll need blood tests every three months to make sure there are no changes, but other than that, Schidzikowski said she's good; not even losing too much hair during chemo.

When her daughter hits her late teens, Schidzikowski said she'll suggest genetic testing, as well as follow-ups to make sure they don't miss anything.

"I highly recommend genetic testing, but even if you don't have the markers, it's still a discussion to have with your doctor, especially if you're concerned and have a history.

"I didn't have the markers and still got cancer. Thankfully, I was able to catch mine early before it got worse.

"Genetic testing is just a blood test. And it works. Early detection is the key to successful cancer surgery. That, and my great support system. You need a village."

To shine the light on Breast Cancer Awareness Month - and the importance of getting annual mammograms starting at age 40 (and sooner with a family history), Silver Cross has pink spotlights on the front of its hospital campus.

To schedule a mammogram today at a Silver Cross location near you, visit silvercross.org/schedule-now/, or call the hospital's Central Scheduling Department at (815) 300-7076.