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In 2013 Debbie found a lump in her breast. She had recently moved back to Tennessee after leaving an abusive relationship and was without a job or health insurance. With a family history of breast cancer, she was terrified of what her future held and didn’t know how she could pay for treatment if she was diagnosed with cancer.
But Debbie found out she qualified for a mammogram through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and TennCare Medicaid. This health insurance paid for her mammogram and a biopsy. Her initial diagnosis was a benign cyst, but she was able to stay on TennCare Medicaid for regular monitoring visits.
By her third regular visit, the cyst had grown and a biopsy confirmed she had cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 3 triple positive breast cancer and immediately began treatment. Because of TennCare Medicaid, she was able to get the surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy that she needed.
Now, Debbie has no evidence of disease, and is back at work. “I am forever grateful for the breast cancer program and TennCare,” she said. “It frightens me to think where I might be without it.”
