Early Detection Saves Lives: Brooke’s Journey Through Breast Cancer 

At just 34 years old, Brooke Riley discovered a lump in her breast during a routine self-exam. She quickly began treatment, supported by care teams at Covenant Health Thompson Oncology Group in Oak Ridge. 

“I felt the lump and my heart dropped,” Brooke recalls. “I called my OB/GYN the next morning, and they got me in right away. It was a relief to get the ball rolling so quickly.” 

As a new mom to her one-year-old baby, Brooke was still navigating postpartum life when she got her breast cancer diagnosis. The diagnosis was overwhelming, but Brooke found the support she needed when she visited Covenant Health. 

Care that Makes a Difference 

From her initial visit at the Breast Center, Brooke felt the compassionate care that makes Covenant Health special. 

“I was scared,” Brooke recalls. “But the staff was so sweet and gentle. They walked me through the process with such care.” 

That support only grew stronger when Brooke met Monica, her Nurse Navigator. “Monica was my rock,” Brooke says. “She walked me through the diagnosis, helped me choose my care team, and has been with me every step of the way. I still text her weekly with updates or questions. She’s always there.”  

Monica felt just as inspired by Brooke, sharing: “Brooke is a fighter, and she made that known from day one. Being able to navigate her through her cancer journey has been such a pleasure and is the reason I do what I do. Helping patients like Brooke is what I am passionate about, and I am so glad to have been a part of that. I am so proud of her for not only fighting for herself, but also wanting to help others going through similar journeys.” 

Brooke’s care team also included general surgeon David Keolsch, MD, whose kindness and humor brought comfort during difficult days, and oncologist Catherine Murphree, MD, who made every appointment feel personal. “They’re honest and down-to-earth,” Brooke says. “They laid everything out clearly and made it less scary. I actually look forward to seeing them.” 

Finding Strength in Community 

Throughout her cancer journey, Brooke found strength in her daughter, Kolar, who was just one year old at the time. “She didn’t see me any differently—whether I had hair, a wig, or a hat. She just saw ‘mommy.’ When I took off my wig and she ran to me with a smile, I knew I could do this.” 

Brooke encourages all women to perform regular self-exams. “We know our bodies better than anyone. Because I did a self-exam, I caught my cancer early. Don’t wait—check yourself monthly.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of community. “I thought I could do it all on my own, but I couldn’t. And that’s okay. Whether it’s Breast Connect or your local support network, people care. We’re stronger together.” Brooke’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives, and compassionate care and community support can make all the difference. 

Schedule Your Mammogram Today 

If you’re a woman aged 40 or older, annual mammograms are one of the most powerful tools for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.  

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection saves lives and yours could be one of them. Schedule your screening today to protect your health. Book online or call the Thompson Comprehensive Breast Center at 865-331-1624 directly to make an appointment.