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NATCHEZ — A few years ago, Nathalie Harris of Natchez was receiving her regular mammogram when the doctor noticed something in it “that he didn’t like,” she said.

Harris has been sure to have regular screenings and once had a scary tumor that was removed, but this time was different. She was referred to Dr. Chris Martin, who performed a biopsy to confirm that Harris had breast cancer.

“When they got the results back, they decided that I needed a double mastectomy,” she said.

Her doctor quickly set an appointment with oncologist Dr. Jack Rodriguez and she was scheduled for surgery within two weeks, Harris said. This was followed by six months of chemotherapy and another month of radiation treatments with Dr. Gregory Cotter at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

“I went through all of that and came out on the other end,” Harris said.

Harris recalled how she and her husband felt after her initial diagnosis

“It kind of took my breath away and it took my husband’s breath away also,” she said. “We were kind of numb for a few days, and then just wanted to get on with it.”

Harris also recalled how much better she felt having a team of doctors close to home to oversee her surgery and then the months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that followed.

“I had six months of chemo, and that was not pleasant but I knew it was better than the alternative. … After I’d finished with chemo, Dr Rodriguez suggested I see Dr. Cotter at Mary Bird Perkins, which was basically right across the parking lot. … They just were the best team — every doctor I saw. They just took me under their wings and made me feel less afraid. … I got to know, know a lot of wonderful people throughout my whole journey.”

Harris said she didn’t know that it was going to be possible to receive all of her treatments without ever leaving Natchez, but it was.

“The equipment is state of the art and we didn’t know all of that was available here in Natchez. We were kind of blown away. And the people were wonderful, professional and up to the minute on everything,” Harris said.

She also received post-treatment physical therapy at Miss Lou Physical Therapy just off of U.S. 61, she said.

“They have been a wonderful team, too,” she said.

At 67 years old, Harris continues to be careful and gets her scans once a year.

That is her advice to anyone.

“Get your mammogram. Get your mammogram, and don’t forget it. Make a mark on your calendar once a year. It had only been a year since my last mammogram and it had just popped up between that time and it was almost already at Stage 3,” she said.

After having come out the other side of breast cancer, Harris’s advice to anyone else who is diagnosed is to have support.

“I have a wonderful group of friends and family, and they fed me and just stood behind me. It wasn’t the easiest thing to go through but they just cheered me on the whole way. When I lost my hair, it didn’t bother me at all. I put on a hat and just kept on going. My husband, David, was such a wonderful help. He was a wonderful nurse and gave such positive support. I think that made a big difference — having a strong support system and a positive attitude.”