When Tara Hartline discovered a lump in her breast, she assumed it was probably another cyst.
She had dense breast tissue, a history of cysts and no family history of breast cancer. As a fifth-grade teacher and mother of three daughters, cancer wasn't at the top of her list of concerns.
But something felt different.
Soon she noticed increasing fatigue and discomfort.
During a regular appointment with her OB/GYN, additional imaging was ordered immediately. Although the results were not definitive, Hartline trusted her instincts and pushed for a biopsy.
Within two days, she had her answer.
At age 48, Hartline was diagnosed with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Hartline is among 20 Faces of Hope portraits and stories displayed at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center, providing inspiration to other cancer warriors and their families. Atrium Health Floyd | Harbin Clinic are part of Advocate Health.
Two lumpectomies and some difficult decisions later, Hartline arrived at the Cancer Center where she found reassurance and acceptance from oncologist Dr. Melissa Dillmon.
“Dr. Dillmon had a fresh, gentle perspective,” Harline said. “She told me not to worry about what had been done but to move forward.
"I immediately thought, 'Oh, I love her.’”
Dr. Dillmon she said, not only guided her forward, she did so while staying up to date on new research and treatment options.
Before beginning chemotherapy, Hartline had one request: She wanted to see her daughter graduate from high school.
Her care team accommodated her. She started chemotherapy the day after she watched her daughter receive her diploma.
Today, Hartline is thankful for the ability to choose. She chose her oncologist. She chose when she would begin treatment. She chose to receive genetic testing, which revealed she had the BRCA2 gene mutation. She chose to tell her sisters about the inheritable mutation, and she’s still making the important choices that inform her life.
"Choose life. Choose health. Choose to prosper," she said. "Choose to believe God has put the right doctors and nurses in your life."
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a reminder to women to prioritize screening and advocacy, for Hartline that meant trusting her instincts, speaking up and choosing a cancer journey that was right for her.