In July 2018, Lindley Herring was lying in bed when she noticed a tingling sensation in her breast. During a quick self-exam, she felt a lump.
Her husband, who has a background in cell biology with a focus on breast cancer, took a look as well. At first, he thought it might be an inflamed lymph node and suggested they keep an eye on it for a few days.
But within 10 days, the lump had doubled in size.
At just 39 years old, Lindley had never needed a mammogram before. Her OBGYN quickly scheduled one, and a biopsy soon followed. The diagnosis was Stage 1B invasive ductal carcinoma.
Things moved quickly. As the cancer continued to grow, Lindley had a port placed and began chemotherapy within 10 days of that first mammogram.
From the very beginning, her husband was a source of steady reassurance.
“He kept telling me I was in good hands and that I was going to beat this,” Lindley said.
With two young daughters at home, she found strength and purpose in fighting for her family every day.
“They didn’t really know what was going on, except that I lost my hair and wore a cute wig,” she recalled.
Under the care of Medical Oncologist Dr. Ibrahim Shalaby, Lindley completed six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy performed by Dr. Melinda Beth Nickels and 28 rounds of radiation therapy. Rather than dread treatment days, she chose to see each one as a step closer to healing.
“My chemo days were a celebration, in my opinion,” she said.
In January 2019, she completed treatment.
Now nearly eight years cancer-free, Lindley recently experienced a milestone she will never forget.
After her latest mammogram, she waited for the radiologist as she always had. Instead, a nurse informed her that she was free to leave. Having reached the seven-year mark, she no longer needed the additional follow-up appointments that had become part of her routine.
“That was the best news I could have ever received,” Lindley said. “I got to my car and just bawled.”
Today, she remains deeply grateful for the care she received throughout her journey.
“It was incredible—the staff, the doctors, my breast cancer navigator, the volunteers,” she said. “I have a second chance at life thanks to Covenant, Dr. Shalaby and his nurse practitioner, Darla.”
Through every challenge, Lindley held tightly to one simple mantra:
“I will beat this.”
Now, she hopes her story offers encouragement to others facing a cancer diagnosis.
“Be positive. Be optimistic. Find your people and let them carry you through it,” she said. “Breast cancer can be detected early and treated, but you have to listen to your body.”
This Cancer Survivors Day, we celebrate Lindley and every survivor who continues to move forward with strength, resilience and hope.
