October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlight the importance of early detection. Linda Schafer, a Cozad resident, knows the significance of these messages firsthand. Her journey through breast cancer underscores the life-saving role of self-exams and persistence. 

Originally from Lincoln, Schafer moved to Cozad seven years ago with her late husband, Stanley. Together, they raised two sons and have two granddaughters.

For years, Schafer followed medical recommendations, getting her annual mammograms like clockwork each fall. But on July 9, 2023, her life took an unexpected turn.

“I found an odd lump in my left breast,” Schafer said, explaining that while she had faced breast cancer scares before, which required needle biopsies on her right breast, this was a new concern. "It was my left breast this time." 

Schafer discovered the lump after rolling over in bed one night, feeling a sharp pain. Alarmed, she performed a self-exam and immediately sensed something was wrong. The next day, she consulted a nurse practitioner, who confirmed her concerns. A follow-up mammogram was ordered, but the results were inconclusive.

“I knew something wasn’t right,” Schafer said. “A woman knows her own body.”

Despite the initial uncertainty, Schafer persisted. Further testing with an ultrasound raised red flags, and a biopsy was scheduled.

“There’s so much anxiety when you’re waiting,” Schafer shared. "It felt like my life was put on hold."

On September 8, Schafer received a call from her doctor—news that would change her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It was frightening,” Schafer recalled. “My world stopped in that moment.”

Despite the shock, Schafer found strength in her support system­–her children, lifelong friends, and the community. On October 2, 2023, Schafer underwent a single mastectomy. Fortunately, her early detection provided a good outcome.

“I caught it early because I was aware and didn’t just file the letter away that said I was okay. I wasn’t okay,” Schafer said.

No radiation or chemotherapy was required after the surgery, and Schafer now visits her oncologist every three months. Her cancer was related to estrogen, so she takes medication to reduce the estrogen levels in her body.

“I really view my breast cancer as the rearview mirror at this point. I feel so blessed that I caught this early.”

Schafer urges women to prioritize their health by completing monthly self-exams and paying attention to any changes in their bodies.

She also stressed the importance of advocacy in healthcare: “Your monthly breast self-exams are critically important because you know the changes in your body. You must be your own advocate, especially for that early detection and good outcome.”

Schafer emphasized that the journey isn’t one to face alone. “This is your body. This is your life. Speak up and get the help that you need.”