Early detection and expert care made the difference to this Beacon patient

What Erin Grove thought would be a routine mammogram turned out to be a life-saving decision.

As a wife and mom of four boys ranging in age from 9 to 22, Erin’s days are filled with work, baseball games and family time. Even with her full schedule, she prioritized what mattered most: her health.

“I’m kind of a rule follower when it comes to my health,” Erin said with a laugh. “You’re supposed to get a mammogram when you turn 40, so I went.”

With no family history of breast cancer and no symptoms, she expected a routine screening. What she got instead was the early detection that would save her life.

An unexpected callback

A few days after her screening, Erin got a call from Memorial Regional Breast Care Center asking her to come back for additional images. The team’s clear, proactive communication immediately put her at ease.

“They told me right away that callbacks are common for your first mammogram,” she said. “So when they called, I wasn’t worried.”

That reassurance carried her through additional imaging, an ultrasound and eventually a biopsy. The biopsy results came back benign, which was a relief heading into the holidays. But her care team wasn’t satisfied. After reviewing the images again, they recommended she meet with a surgeon for a closer look.

“I remember thinking, ‘Why would I need surgery if my biopsy results were benign?’” Erin said. “But they explained that what they saw on my images didn’t quite match the biopsy results.”

Dr. Mark Thompson

A surgeon’s perspective

That’s when she met Dr. Mark Thompson, Beacon Medical Group Trauma and Surgical Services.

“He looked at me and said, ‘If you were my little sister, I’d tell you to take it out just to be sure,’” Erin recalled. “That was exactly what I needed to hear.”

The combination of Beacon’s medical expertise and their personal connection gave her the confidence to move forward with surgery. About two weeks later, Erin received her results: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), stage 0, high nuclear grade. DCIS is often found before it causes any symptoms, which is the reason regular mammograms and expert interpretation are so important.

“I know cancer is cancer,” she said, “but mine was out before I even knew it was cancerous. They caught it incredibly early and I’m so thankful for that.”

Coordinated care

After learning her diagnosis, Erin didn’t have to wonder what came next because her Beacon care team had already started coordinating her next steps and treatment plan.

Within days, Dr. Thompson, connected her to radiation oncologist Dr. Samuel McGrath and medical oncologist Dr. James Jin for comprehensive, coordinated care.

Dr. Samuel McGrath

“It’s unfortunate that an abnormality leading to a cancer diagnosis was identified on her first mammogram.  However, this underscores the importance of initiating screening at a young age.” Dr. McGrath said. “Erin underwent post operative radiation therapy over a four-week period.  She did extremely well and because of early detection and good treatment, she has an excellent prognosis.”

Erin said the Beacon team took care of everything.

“Dr. Thompson connected me to radiation, then oncology, and they coordinated each step along the way. I never felt like I was on my own.”

That sense of reassurance became a theme throughout her cancer journey. Her treatment plan included surgery, four weeks of radiation and preventive medication to help reduce risk of recurrence. She now alternates between mammograms and MRIs every six months — ongoing surveillance that provides both medical monitoring and peace of mind.

“Finishing active treatment doesn’t mean the care ends,” Dr. Jin said. “For patients like Erin, we continue regular follow-ups, imaging, and medication management to monitor their health and give them confidence as they move forward.”

A nurse navigator who made the difference

“Even though my cancer wasn’t as invasive as others’, there were still so many appointments,” Erin said. “Having a team that worked together and handled the details made all the difference.”

Dr. James Jin

Behind that seamless coordination was her nurse navigator, Kathy Hawley, who became Erin’s constant advocate and point of contct. From scheduling appointments to answering questions and checking in between visits, Kathy ensured nothing fell through the cracks.

“Kathy has been wonderful,” Erin said. “When I had another surgery months later and needed to know if I could stop one of my medications, she jumped in right away. I had an answer that same day. She’s always on top of it.”

For Erin, it wasn’t just about logistics, it was about having someone who knew her story, anticipated her concerns and provided the personalized support that turned what could have been an overwhelming diagnosis to a manageable journey.

“There’s so much happening when you’re going through something like this,” she said. “Having someone who knows your story and who you can call with anything makes a tough situation easier.”

Finding purpose through the journey

For Erin, the care she received went far beyond the procedures and appointments. What stood out most was how everyone she met treated her not just as a patient, but as a person.

“Every single person I came across was kind and patient,” she said. “From the front desk to the nurses and techs, they took the time to explain what they were doing before they did it. That made such a difference.”

That commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care showed up in every interaction. Whether it was Kathy checking in to make sure an appointment was scheduled or a nurse taking an extra moment to answer a question, Erin always felt supported.

“There was never a point when I felt lost or forgotten,” she said. “It’s those small acts of kindness that stick with you.”

Erin said her faith gave her perspective and peace throughout her journey. “On my way to the hospital, I’d pray and ask God to show me why I needed to be there, and every time, He gave me a reason. A reminder that I wasn’t alone.

Erin feels grateful for the care she received and for the opportunity to encourage other women and demystify a diagnosis that can feel overwhelming.

“I never wanted to have cancer,” she said. “But if I had to, I’m thankful it went the way it did and that I had the team I did. Beacon made it easy to get through something that could’ve been so much harder.”

Looking back, Erin said she wishes she could tell her past self not to be so afraid. “Cancer is such a scary word,” she said. “But catching it early made all the difference. I probably worried more than I needed to.”

She encourages women in a similar situation to ask all the questions. Her advice is simple but powerful: “It’s your health, your life. And don’t put off your mammogram. I’m proof that early detection can make all the difference.”