Chrystal Shares Her Game Plan for Catching Breast Cancer Early

Breast cancer wasn’t something Chrystal expected to face in her early 40s. With no family history, no symptoms and every reason to believe she was healthy, the diagnosis came as a surprise. But as a nurse practitioner, Chrystal understood the importance of routine screenings—and that knowledge made all the difference.

After a delayed first mammogram placed her in a high-risk category, Chrystal committed to regular follow-ups. Her vigilance paid off when a later scan revealed stage 1 breast cancer.

Timing was everything. Because her doctors caught the cancer early, her chances of successful treatment were much higher. Crystal turned to the experts at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where she found the partnership and expertise she needed to navigate treatment and recovery.

Today, Chrystal is cancer-free and living life to the fullest. She’s passionate about encouraging others to prioritize breast cancer screening. For her, early detection changed everything.

Chrystal knew turning 40 meant it was time for her first mammogram. But it was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and scheduling appointments was difficult—especially while working in a hospital out of state.

“I remember thinking, ‘It can wait a year,’” she recalls.

When Chrystal finally had her first mammogram a month before her 41st birthday, it revealed abnormal results. While it wasn’t cancer, the findings placed her in a high-risk category. Alongside her care team, she began a surveillance plan that included mammograms every six months and annual MRIs.

Over the course of two years, she had four biopsies performed on suspicious findings, all of which came back negative. Then, a new change appeared on an MRI. This time, the biopsy confirmed what she had long feared. It was breast cancer—but caught early, at stage 1. The early detection of this cancer was critically important for Chrystal.

“Luckily, treatment is more effective and the risk of recurrence is lower than with a later-stage cancer,” Chrystal says. “If it weren’t for my first mammogram and regular testing, I wouldn’t have had those odds.”

Feeling hopeful, Chrystal quickly began treatment. Her first step was a double mastectomy to remove both breasts. Her post-surgery results showed that all of the cancer had been removed.

Her next step was to ensure her cancer did not come back. On a friend’s recommendation, Chrystal sought the care of Jane Meisel, MD, a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Chrystal underwent four cycles of chemotherapy, approaching treatment with her trademark optimism and energy.

“Chrystal was all in—ready to stand back up after surgery, leap right into chemo and do whatever it took to beat this cancer,” Dr. Meisel says. “She wanted to know everything, and at the same time, she trusted me. We built a strong relationship early on.”

After chemotherapy, Chrystal began maintenance treatment with anti-estrogen medication to continue to reduce the risk of recurrence. The medication came with side effects—what Dr. Meisel calls “super menopause.” For someone as active as Chrystal, joint pain was the hardest part. She and Dr. Meisel talked openly about how to manage it, even considering whether or not to continue the medication. When Dr. Meisel recommended a Winship clinical trial exploring acupuncture and acupressure for symptom relief, Chrystal didn’t think twice. She signed up right away.

There’s a common misconception that clinical trials are only for patients with limited options. But at Winship, they’re part of care at every stage. For Chrystal, the trial offered support for living well beyond cancer.

“Dr. Meisel doesn’t just ask how you’re feeling and prescribe medicine,” Chrystal says. “She looks for all the ways to improve your life as a cancer survivor.”

“Dr. Meisel is a phenomenal doctor, but she’s also a friend,” says Chrystal. “She knows how to listen so people feel heard. Now, we run into each other outside the clinic. Her care feels like it’s coming from my own family.”

Dr. Meisel emphasizes that she’s part of a larger team. Winship's strength lies in its collaborative approach, with nurses, support staff, therapists and specialists all playing vital roles.

“The experts at Emory Healthcare make it possible for more women to beat cancer and live better lives,” she says. “Oncology is a team sport. We have an incredible team here at Winship, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Chrystal is a lifelong Falcons fan, and having her favorite team play into her breast cancer journey was an unexpected twist. She was recently recognized at a Falcons game celebrating breast cancer survivorship and bringing awareness to screening.

Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute are teaming up with the Atlanta Falcons for Crucial Catch, an awareness campaign for knowing your breast cancer risk and getting regular screenings. Catching breast cancer early leads to the best outcomes and survival rate. While some women discover their cancer after symptoms appear, many have no symptoms at all. That’s why screening mammograms are so important.

The stats:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime
• Most women should begin annual mammograms at age 40.
• Women with a family history and certain genetic factors may need to start screening earlier.

While getting a mammogram for the first time can seem intimidating, knowing what to expect can make the experience easier. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that takes just a few minutes. Guided by a mammography technologist, the machine will briefly compress each breast between two plates to capture clear images.

“I hope I encourage everyone to get their screenings. The little discomfort from a mammogram is worth the peace of mind,” says Chrystal.

“A breast cancer diagnosis isn’t always a bad outcome. Because of my experience at Winship, I know it’s possible to survive cancer and still live life with joy and fulfillment.”

Intercept breast cancer: know your risk

Early detection can change the game when it comes to breast cancer. Schedule your mammogram with Emory Healthcare now, so you’re always playing offense when it comes to your health.

At Emory, patients diagnosed with breast cancer receive expert care from the dedicated breast oncology team at Winship Cancer Institute. These specialists are committed to providing personalized, compassionate treatment every step of the way.

When it comes to your health, Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute are always on your team.