For Durango resident Debbie Goodman, the diagnosis of occult breast cancer Aug. 28 was a complete shock.

Goodman has no history of breast cancer in her family, has never smoked, isn’t overweight and, generally, has none of the red flags that people often watch for with cancer.

Earlier in her life, Goodman, 66, scheduled yearly mammograms, but hadn’t received one in three years as she kept pushing her yearly appointment off. But one night in August, while visiting with friends, Goodman learned of a friend in the group and the daughter of another friend had both been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a wake-up call for Goodman, and she decided to schedule a mammogram appointment.

At Mercy Regional Medical Center, the cancer almost went undetected. The radiologist saw no evidence of cancer in Goodman’s breast, but happened to see a small shadow under her left armpit. After undergoing a number of other tests, including a biopsy and ultrasound, Goodman was diagnosed with occult breast cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of breast cancer diagnoses. The rare diagnosis helped to explain why no cancer appeared in her breast and had already spread to her lymph nodes.

When Goodman told her husband, Sam, about her diagnosis, he was busy working in the garage.

“For me, it was the most dramatic thing I’ve ever experienced with her,” Sam Goodman said. “We both broke down and cried.”

After her diagnosis with a late stage of cancer, Goodman quickly began looking for treatment options. However, Durango-area oncologists were backed up and Goodman could not get an appointment quick enough for her liking.

“We were in panic mode,” Goodman said.

The week after her diagnosis, Goodman and her husband traveled to the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Phoenix to understand her treatment options. The next week, she started chemotherapy in Phoenix. This week, Goodman was traveling to Phoenix with her husband for her fourth round of chemotherapy. Goodman and her husband travel every other week to Phoenix for chemotherapy. After this weekend, she has four more rounds of treatment.

“It’s been rough. Chemo is not fun,” Goodman said.

After chemotherapy is done, Goodman will have surgery to take out her lymph nodes infected with cancer, and then undergo radiation treatment. It’s a long road ahead for her.

“But, I’m going to fight it and I’m going to win,” she said.

Life obviously looks a lot different now for Goodman. Before her diagnosis, she was active. She loved to hike, camp and play pickleball. Now, most of her energy is spent trying to heal and recover after chemotherapy treatments.

Goodman said she has been overwhelmed by the amount of support she has received from family and friends. However, the support she has received has occurred on virtual platforms or in socially distanced situations. Goodman and her husband, her caregiver, are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously as a result of her weakened immune system. Since her treatment started, Goodman has limited her social interactions to mostly her husband.

Sam Goodman, who works at the post office, said it has been heart-wrenching to leave his wife at home after treatment when she’s not feeling well, but he has to report to work. He’s been using sick days to drive with Debbie to Phoenix every two weeks and then take care of her for the first couple of days after her treatment. When he does go to work, Sam said he is constantly anxious about COVID-19, especially around people who refuse to wear face coverings.

As difficult as this time is for Debbie Goodman, she also reports a new appreciation for life and understanding for the value of patience.

“Sometimes things don’t happen overnight. Like, I’ve just gotta be patient to get through my sickness,” she said. “I know it’s temporary, I know I’ll feel better in a couple days. I just have to be patient.”

To help her stay patient and relaxed, Goodman started meditating after her diagnosis. She said meditation helps manage fear as her emotions are still a “roller coaster.” The most important part of staying positive however, is prayer and faith, she said.

Goodman hopes her story can serve as a cautionary tale to other women. She still has no pain related to her cancer and knows firsthand how cancer can creep up on someone.

“I just want women to be more aware and to stay diligent about check-ups,” Goodman said.

She said she wants women “to realize and be aware you can’t let your guard down.”

The American Cancer Society recommends women aged 40 to 44 begin thinking about annual mammogram screenings, women aged 45-54 should receive yearly screenings, and women 55 or older should schedule screenings every two years or continue with yearly screening.

“Even if one woman decides to schedule a screening as a result of my story, it will be worth it,” Goodman said.

She also emphasized the importance of self-exams to check for lumps.

“Ladies, check your boobs, because mine tried to kill me,” she said.

smarvin@durangoherald.com