From Fear to Relief: Breast Cancer Survivor's Journey Through a Recent Scare

It was Christmas week of 2024 and Diane Chinzi of St. Clair Shores was ready to enjoy a nice breakfast and spend some quality time with her friend after undergoing her routine mammogram. But as a 20-year survivor, Diane knew the weight that each mammogram carried.

“I was only 47 and had no family history when I was first diagnosed after a mammogram detected cancer. To say it was a shock is an understatement,” she says.

Diagnosed in 2005, Diane endured surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, followed by ongoing monitoring and medication. As the years progressed, she found comfort in the familiar faces of the breast screening team at the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion. “I have been coming to this team including Samantha Tunnecliffe (mammography supervisor), radiologists and the wonderful technologists for years because of the care I receive, which is especially important as a breast cancer survivor.”

In the past she celebrated her ‘victory lap’ alongside her mammogram team. But in 2024, her ‘victory lap’ took an unexpected turn.

A suspicious finding just before the holidays

Diane's December 23rd mammogram showed a suspicious mass in her left breast, requiring an ultrasound and biopsy.

“All the emotions from 20 years ago came rushing back,” she shares. “I had breast cancer in my right breast, so when I was told this mass was in my left breast, I almost fainted.”

Instead of heading to breakfast, Diane had to break the unsettling news to her friend and prepare for additional tests.

Coordinated care makes all the difference

Diane recalls how different things were when she was first diagnosed at a local hospital.

“Back then, after receiving the shocking news, I made all the calls to specialists to coordinate my own care—while still processing what it meant,” she remembers. “This time Samantha and the mammography team were by my side, offering compassion and reassurance every step of the way.”

Despite it being just two days before Christmas, Diane's care team moved quickly.

“My husband and I had plans to go to Florida after the holidays, but suddenly, I didn’t know if I could plan for anything,” she says. A former AT&T project manager, Diane knew the importance of a strong team—and she was grateful to have one guiding her through the unknown.

Henry Ford Health’s staff immediately coordinated additional tests, including an ultrasound and core needle biopsy in a timely manner.
“There was a warm human connection throughout the process, and I was so appreciative that they were able to do the necessary tests that day,” she says. “The care, concern, communication, and support were beyond what any patient could ask for.”