A breast cancer survivor helping others navigate their journey

Denise Elliott is the registration team lead for IU Health Radiology – Bloomington. She is also a breast cancer survivor.

Denise’s cancer journey began in 2015 after a routine mammogram led to additional testing. She was called back for a diagnostic mammogram and three biopsies, which revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.

According to the National Cancer Institute, invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of invasive breast cancer. It begins in the lining of the milk ducts and spreads into surrounding breast tissue. It can also spread through the blood and lymphatic systems to other parts of the body.

Soon after her diagnosis, Denise met with surgeons to evaluate her lymph nodes and plan for a surgery that would determine if chemotherapy was needed. She chose to undergo a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction, a procedure that uses muscle from the back to reconstruct the breast.

“My surgery took much longer than expected, and unfortunately, I experienced several complications and infections that required additional surgeries,” said Denise. “Thankfully, once all the results were in, my oncologist determined that chemotherapy was not necessary.”

Despite the challenges, Denise returned to work just two weeks after surgery.

“The years following my diagnosis were difficult, but I made it through with the support of my incredible family and an outstanding team of healthcare providers,” said Denise.

Today, Denise’s experience shapes the way she and her team care for patients at IU Health Radiology – Bloomington.

“Looking back now, it seems only fitting I would eventually work at the very place that helped save my life,” said Denise. “Today, my team and I interact with mammography patients every day. We see women coming in for screenings, biopsies, and appointments to receive biopsy results. Having been in their shoes, I understand how stressful and emotional those visits can be. My sincere hope is that my team and I can make each patient's experience a little easier and a little less frightening.”

Before her diagnosis, Denise had no symptoms and never suspected anything was wrong. Although she tested negative for the BRCA gene mutation, one of the best-known genetic risk factors for breast cancer, the disease still became part of her story.

“If there is one message I would share with other women, it is simple: Get your mammogram,” said Denise. “Every breast cancer journey is unique. Each woman will face her own decisions about treatment, surgery, recovery, and what comes next. There is no single right path. The important thing is knowing you don't have to walk that path alone."