Treated for breast cancer: ‘I had the A-Team at IU Health’

This patient advocated for her care and now she’s encouraging others.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

She was in her early 30s when Stephanie Swaim had her first mammogram.

The American Cancer Society suggests women of average risk for breast cancer, begin annual screenings between the ages of 40 and 44. Women between the ages of45 and 54 should get mammograms every year and women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year.

Swaim scheduled her initial screening after discovering a lump. “They investigated and it was fine, so I was told I didn’t need another mammogram until the age of 45,” said Swaim. During that screening a lump was found in her left breast. An ultrasound-guided biopsy followed and it was determined she had a sclerosing lesion – a non-cancerous condition. She continued with imaging every six months and due to dense tissue, she also had an MRI. In July 2024, the imagine showed ductal carcinoma on her right side.

After reviewing her options, she decided a double mastectomy would be best. “It was a difficult decision but if I didn’t have the double mastectomy, I would be doing imaging every six months and I’d be going through a roller coaster of emotions,” said Swaim, 47.

“From there, luckily I had clear margins so there was no requirement for chemotherapy or radiation,” she said. At IU Health, Swaim was in the care of oncologist Dr. Tarah Ballinger, and her surgeon, Dr. Carla Fisher. Her plastic surgeon was Dr. Rachel Danforth.

“I have to say I definitely had the ‘A-Team’ managing my care. The protocol that is set up for breast cancer is when they find something the first doctor you meet with is the surgeon. She gave me options, but I wanted to speak to with my oncologist before the surgeon. It may have changed the path I took,” said Swaim. “I fought to meet with my oncologist before my first surgery, and it wasn’t much of a fight. Dr. Fisher wanted me to be 100 comfortable with my decision.”

Swaim said she chose IU Health for her care based on other medical issues. “I deal with a few chronic diseases, and my doctors are through IU Health. I’ve always believed they have the best doctors and specialists.” Since surgery, Swaim continues to recover and is adjusting to taking injections for estrogen suppression.

Swaim grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Manual High School and Indiana State University. She and her husband, Tom are parents to a 12-year-old daughter. “We love to be active and spend time outside.”