Less risk, more support
Chrissy Meek
Oct, 2021
Physicians: Samantha Witt Crosby, CGC; Allison Meadows, MD; Kathryn Vera, NP
Strength runs in Watervliet resident Chrissy Meek’s family. So does determination. And sadly, so does cancer.
In 2007, Chrissy lost her mom to breast cancer and her grandma to ovarian cancer. Those events, along with an aunt who is now in remission from breast cancer, were all the motivation Chrissy needed to be proactive about her health.
When a friend told her about the high risk cancer program at Spectrum Health Lakeland, Chrissy immediately reached out. The program monitors patients who are at high risk of developing breast cancer to reduce risk of the disease or diagnose it in its earliest stages.
“I wanted to see what the program offered, get more information, and start genetic testing,” said Chrissy.
She connected with genetic oncology counselor, Samantha Witt Crosby, CGC, and underwent thorough genetic screening to determine her current risk levels .
“Samantha thoroughly explained the process prior to receiving my results and educated me afterward on a level that I could easily understand,” said Chrissy.
Based on the 84 genes analyzed, the test results did not show that Chrissy had a known inherited or hereditary cause for increased risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. With the help of her care team, Chrissy determined the best plan of action: having a mammogram and MRI every six months to detect cancer early if it ever occurred.
“The staff was great to work with,” said Chrissy. “They went into detail about what would be done and why which helped me feel more at ease throughout the entire process.”
With their support and expertise, Chrissy also learned what lifestyle changes she could make to help reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.
“I learned a lot about lifestyle and food choices,” she said. “The program helped me kickstart a journey to better health.”
With the help of primary care provider, Allison Meadows, MD, and the high risk cancer program, Chrissy has lost more than 100 pounds. She has also increased how much flax seed she eats, which can help reduce the risk for breast cancer.
Chrissy sees advanced practitioner, Kathryn Vera, NP, twice a year, and she appreciates how flexible the program has been with her schedule and her husband’s medical needs as he undergoes treatment for cancer himself.
“Prevention is all about what I can do now to help myself five or ten years down the road,” said Chrissy.
And down the road, there is so much more for Chrissy to enjoy; from singing on the worship team at church, to writing children’s books, to spending quality time with her husband and dogs.
About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The high risk cancer program at Spectrum Health Lakeland is designed for individuals who at high risk of developing breast cancer. Specially trained providers monitor patients with the goal of reducing risk or diagnosing cancer at an early stage. Physicians may refer patients to the program, or individuals reach out directly at 269.932.9337 or SHLhighriskcancerclinic@spectrumhealth.org. To learn more, visit our webpage.