Early Breast Cancer Detection
“I’m forever grateful for the Breast Imaging Center at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
and their early detection.” – Akiko Noguchi
Akiko’s Insights for Her Healing
“In order to heal, I found it helps to accept what you’re facing and accept how you feel as you go through the stages of grief. Then release those feelings. Let go of fear and cut out negativity. Keep an open heart and let love shine – give it and receive it. Get plenty of positive support – from loved ones and cancer support resources and groups. There’s a lot of help out there, and you are not alone.”
In the summer of 2021, Akiko was having her annual checkup, and her primary care physician referred her for a routine breast screening at the Breast Imaging Center at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.
Her physician recommended a 3D mammogram (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis), where multiple images are taken from different angles of the breast to create a very detailed, three-dimensional picture, which is particularly helpful for women with dense breast tissue.
While Akiko had no family history of breast cancer and no genetic predisposition for cancer, the 3D image revealed a tumor.
“My radiologist and technician were comforting when they broke the news to me, and I cried; I was scared,” Akiko said. “Their extra care, compassion and support were so special, and that made my experience at Cottage so good. I felt loved. I knew I was more than just another patient.”
“These days, I’m healing from cancer and really living,” she said. “My family and I stay active and enjoy the outdoors and camping. I love taking care of my children – a seven-year-old son who’s into sports and a twelve-year-old daughter who rides horses.”
Akiko has also become very active in the cancer support community.
“Having cancer changed my life. Now I’m a cancer patient support advocate for others,” she said. “I get to help people, and I know how because I’ve been on the other side. I’ll always appreciate the care I received at Cottage.”
