From the Salon Chair to the Chemo Chair- A Personal Update!

Early detection saves lives.

Many of you know me as your hairstylist, but today I'm sharing something much more personal.

Mercy Infusion Center

It all started with my routine annual mammogram. When I say routine, I mean it—I have never missed a mammogram since turning 40. This year, my screening showed new calcifications. At first, I wasn't overly concerned because everything I read said they are common and often benign.

A diagnostic mammogram led to a biopsy, which confirmed high-grade cancer cells in the milk ducts.

After a lot of research and many conversations with my doctors and family, I chose to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I wanted to take the most aggressive approach and put cancer behind me.

Unfortunately, cancer had other plans.

My final pathology revealed invasive carcinoma that was triple positive, meaning my treatment would now include chemotherapy and a year of targeted HER2 therapy with Herceptin. During surgery, my doctors also discovered the beginning stages of lobular cancer in the breast that had been removed as a preventative measure. While I tested negative for 49 genetic mutations associated with hereditary breast cancer, I'm incredibly grateful I trusted my instincts and chose the double mastectomy.

Eight weeks after surgery, I had another procedure to place my chemotherapy port, and on June 10, I began treatment.

As a hairstylist, I've spent my career helping people feel beautiful and confident. Now I find myself facing one of chemotherapy's most visible side effects—hair loss. My treatment regimen will likely cause complete hair loss, so I've chosen to use the Paxman Cold Cap System, which is available through Mercy. My husband, Todd, has taken on the role of my "cold capper," learning everything he can to give me the best chance of preserving some of my hair. We're hopeful it will help me keep not only some of my hair, but also a small sense of normalcy during this journey.

I'm sharing this for two reasons.

First, I wanted to update my wonderful clients. While there may be days when my schedule may look a little different for a few months-although so far side effects have been manageable, I plan to continue doing what I love. Being behind the chair brings me joy, and I look forward to seeing so many familiar faces.

Second, I hope my story encourages every woman reading this to prioritize their annual mammogram. I almost dismissed the words "new calcifications" because they are so often harmless. In my case, that routine screening caught cancer before I ever had a symptom. Early detection truly saved my life.

Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, prayers, and patience as I navigate this season. I know there will be difficult days ahead, but I also know I won't be walking through them alone.

I'll continue sharing updates along the way, and if my story reminds even one person to schedule their mammogram, then sharing it will have been worth it.

Love,

Kate Colton