Faith, doctors and early detection

At just 45 years old, Linda Turner was living a healthy, active life with no concerns about her health. She didn’t see the need for a mammogram but decided to get one anyway. That decision changed everything.

Following her mammogram at Baptist Health Lexington, her doctor noticed a spot that at first didn’t appear to be cancer but recommended further testing. Days later, Linda received a call that would alter her life’s course: she had Stage 1 breast cancer.

“I was in shock,” Linda recalls. “I didn’t think it could happen to me, but cancer doesn’t discriminate.”

Thanks to the mammogram and her doctor’s thoroughness, Linda’s cancer was caught early. 

She underwent a mastectomy, and because the cancer was detected in its earliest stages, she recovered with no complications. Her doctor shared that if she had waited just three months, the outcome could have been far more serious.

“I wouldn’t be here today without my doctors,” Linda says with heartfelt gratitude. “Don’t hold back on seeing them. They will save your life.”

Now, Linda never misses her annual mammogram and urges others to prioritize their health. “It’s so important to know your health history and get screened. Early detection is lifesaving,” she emphasizes.

Linda credits her faith and trust in her medical team at Baptist Health Lexington for her survival. “Have faith in your doctors. Get to know them,” she advises. “They’re there to help you, and they truly care.”

Linda’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection and proactive care can save lives. At Baptist Health Lexington, stories like Linda’s inspire us every day to deliver compassionate, expert care for our patients.