Inspired Self-Care: Shelly Longinotti’s Breast Health Journey
At 57, Shelly Longinotti embodies the vibrant spirit of a mother dedicated to her health and family. Living in San Rafael, this mother of three—ages 15, 21, and 24—recently took a courageous step toward honoring her own well-being, motivated by the memory of her late mother, who had once had a breast tumor and passed away from COPD later in life. With dense breast tissue and a history of fibrocystic breasts, Shelly had always been vigilant about her health, but this time felt different. Three months ago, after noticing a small lump near her armpit, she made an empowering decision: to get a mammogram and take control of her health.
“I had just gone ahead and decided that March 2024 was going to be my healthcare and self-care month,” she said, relaxing in her sunny backyard, her 13-year-old beagle-terrier-pointer Sierra nestled beside her. “I started working out and eating healthier, and booked a bunch of tests and focused on paying attention to my health just overall.”
In a situation that can often mean feelings of fear and uncertainty, Shelly found reassurance and compassion at the MarinHealth Breast Health Center. With every step of the process—from her initial concerns to a biopsy and beyond—she felt supported and informed. In a heartfelt moment, a nurse even held her hand during the biopsy procedue itself, a gesture that meant everything to Shelly and embodied MarinHealth’s dedication to patient care.
“Shelly’s experience at the MarinHealth Breast Health Center embodies the compassionate, individualized approach that our team strives for with each of our patients. Such feedback is incredibly powerful and reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire breast health team,” said the Breast Health Center’s Medical Director, Natalya Lvoff, MD. “We have an integrated team of nurses, navigators, technologists and physicians collaborating to deliver the highest quality, personalized care, using the most advanced technology. This collaborative effort prioritizes patient well-being, combining clinical excellence with compassionate support, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience.’
As Shelly reflects on her journey, her story serves as a poignant reminder: trust your instincts, prioritize your health, and honor those who came before you. Her experience at the MarinHealth Breast Health Center was marked by compassion and support. After her mammogram, concerns arose not about the lump but about calcifications that were invisible to her. Despite her nerves, she felt reassured by the staff, who explained every step clearly. “They minimized my pain; and when the nurse actually was kind enough to hold my hand, I probably squeezed a little too tight,” she laughed.
As she prepared for a follow-up stereotactic core biopsy, Shelly faced challenges with what she thought was a sensitivity to lidocaine. Initially hesitant, she decided to proceed, feeling empowered by the support of her healthcare team. “They determined it was best to give me a little less epinephrine based on my concerns. They nailed it—I had thought I was allergic to lidocaine but it was actually epinephrine sensitivity, which I’d never known,” she said, relief evident in her voice. The procedure went smoothly, and within three days, she received the news she had hoped for: benign results.
Reflecting on her journey, Shelly emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts. “My ‘woman’s intuition’ is really strong; there’s this little voice. Go get that mammogram, just get it. If you know someone who had cancer, honor that person by taking care of yourself.”
Now, with newfound energy, Shelly has embraced a lifestyle focused on nutrition and wellness. “I’ve lost 30 pounds and started making my own yogurt and granola. And I love kombucha!” she said. Shelly’s story is a powerful reminder to prioritize health and stay informed.
By sharing her experience, she hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps in their own healthcare journeys. Shelly Longinotti is not just a survivor; she’s a beacon of cheerful resilience, encouraging others to honor their health, as well as honor the lives of family and friends. Learn more about mammograms at MarinHealth.
Pictured above: Shelly Longinotti with her loyal companion, Sierra.
