Air Force Veteran Finds Strength and Faith Through Breast Cancer Care at Bayhealth

When 47-year-old Air Force veteran Antonette Johnson felt a lump in her right breast, she called Bayhealth right away. For years, she had trusted Bayhealth for her OB-GYN care and mammograms. This time, that trust helped save her life.

“As soon as I called, my OB-GYN got me in for a biopsy the next day,” Johnson said. “They started genetic testing right away and connected me with my oncologist, Dr. Ajinkya Kulkarni. My nurse navigator, Natalie, was always there for me. She’s amazing and so compassionate.”

The diagnosis was still a shock. “My first thought was my kids and my grandson,” she said. “I thought I wouldn’t survive because of everything I’d heard about cancer.” Johnson sought a second opinion at the University of Pennsylvania but decided to stay at Bayhealth. “I like the smaller hospital setting. It really felt like family here.”
Throughout treatment, Johnson leaned on her faith and her support system. “Normally I’m independent, but I learned it’s okay to let others help,” she said. Her family sat with her during treatments, and her Air Force team adjusted her schedule so she could focus on recovery.

She also appreciated Dr. Kulkarni’s caring approach. “He’s personable and remembers things about my life,” she said. “He took time to answer every question and made me feel confident.”

Now cancer-free, Johnson continues to focus on her health and gratitude. “I caught my diagnosis early because I stayed on top of my mammograms,” she said. “If something feels off, get it checked out. There is hope.”

Early detection saves lives. Take time to learn more about Bayhealth’s high-quality breast imaging services, and schedule your routine mammogram right away.