Angela's Story

Angela is a 48 year old woman living with her two young sons and brother.  She initially came to Venice Family Clinic seeking mental health services after her abusive husband abandoned her and their two sons.  Angela made progress in counseling.  During a session, she revealed that she felt a lump in her breast. The social worker helped Angela schedule a medical appointment at the Clinic. She was referred for a mammogram and ultrasound which revealed an enlarged duct that was nothing to worry about.  Angela was relieved.  However, she developed pain in the area of the lump that turned out to be cellulitis – an infection of the skin – on her breast.  She was treated with antibiotics and the infection soon cleared up.  Angela returned to the Clinic four years later when she developed a skin rash.  At her return appointment, she received a full medical work-up.  Despite her normal breast exam, the provider referred Angela for a mammogram screening due to her history of breast abnormalities and years without follow-up.  Angela showed up for her appointment but was hesitant to go through with the screening.  The program coordinator noticed her misgivings and approached her.  Angela revealed that she was worried that this time it might actually be something wrong. The coordinator told her that the Clinic would be here for her no matter what the results showed.  In the end, Angela’s screening came out normal.  She was very thankful for the results and began planning for next year’s screening.