“Thank God for mammograms,” says 58-year-old Brenda Willis of Houston.

Brenda has gotten a mammogram every year since having a hysterectomy 15 years ago and starting hormone replacement therapy, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. “I almost put it off this year, but something just kept telling me not to,” she says. “Lo and behold, it came back positive. It knocked the wind out of me. It just came out of nowhere.”

Breast cancer doesn’t run in Brenda’s family, and all her previous mammograms had been normal. So when she was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma in early March, Brenda says she “took to the sofa for three days.” Then, “I prayed and asked the Lord what to do,” she adds.

Brenda’s doctor referred her to Dr. Danny Sanders at North Mississippi Medical Center’s Breast and General Surgery Clinic in Tupelo. “He gave me a lot of information and calmed my concerns,” she says. “He helped me realize that it was not a death sentence, but I had choices to make.”

Later that month, she underwent genetic testing through NMMC Cancer Care. “I have two children and nine grandchildren,” Brenda says. “When I learned they were not at increased risk, that was the best news. A peace enveloped me after that.”

On March 31, Dr. Sanders performed a lumpectomy to remove the mass. Fortunately, her lymph node was negative, which mean her cancer had not spread outside of her breast. Oncotype testing resulted in a low number, which translates to a low risk of recurrence.

In May, Brenda started 20 rounds of radiation therapy. “I was very nervous about it, but I had a good experience,” she says. “I love to go watch my grandchildren play ball all summer, and except for a few days, I felt like doing that.” In June she returned to work as a nursing supervisor at NMMC.

Throughout her journey, Brenda found support in family, friends and other breast cancer survivors. “What Satan meant for evil, God has used for good. This experience brought me growth, knowledge and new friendships,” she says. “I have gained a community of women who have given me so much wisdom and support—it’s definitely a sisterhood. I have a strong faith and a strong church, and I really leaned into both.”

With the ordeal behind her, Brenda can now encourage others. “Do not skip your mammogram. If I had, the cancer would’ve probably spread, and I would not have had the same outcome,” she says. “If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, go somewhere to reflect within yourself. Stay off Google. Get a strong medical team and make a plan.”

And while no one welcomes difficulty, Brenda remains grateful. “This was not an ending for me,” she says, “but a new beginning.”