Interview with a brave woman who survived and thrives following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Women experience many commonalities during their lifetimes, from wearing pigtails as kids to pursuing careers and/or raising families as adults. An unfortunate shared connection between women is the diagnosis of breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States aside from skin cancer. Each year, about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. Here’s the story of Janel who received an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis during the challenging COVID pandemic. The surprising and unwelcome news shook her core – but also motivated her to face the experience head on. Her story is one of sheer determination and strength and grace inside and out. In this interview, she shares her personal perspective, provides advice and insight, and offers messages of hope to those newly diagnosed.

Interview date: October 24, 2024

DJ: Hi Janel. Let’s jump right in. One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer, so you are not alone. How was your breast cancer discovered?

Janel: It was sudden. I felt a lump in my left breast at the age of 44 in April of 2020.

DJ: Other than discovering a lump, did you experience any symptoms to indicate breast cancer?

Janel: I did not have any other symptoms, and I was in the best shape of my life. During quarantine, I exercised and took care of myself. Little did I know I was getting in shape for the most important fight of my life.

DJ: What actions did you take when you noticed the lump on your left breast?

Janel: I called my doctor and told him of my findings. It was recommended that I come in right away for a visit. I was then immediately sent for a mammogram, which led to a sonogram, which led to a biopsy of the lump in my breast, and another area in one of the lymph nodes in my left armpit.

DJ: What went through your head when you discovered the lump?

Janel: Discovering the lump was a complete shock…my heart sank, and my legs felt weak. After completing the necessary testing, my obstetrician-gynecologist told me he would call me a few days later with the results.

DJ: What happened when you got that call?

Janel: My husband, children, parents, brother, sister and nephews were over. I took the call in privacy with my husband. I was told I had cancer. We finished the call, took a deep breath, and went outside to tell our family the outcome.

DJ: What did you say to your family?

Janel: I remember telling them that I have no choice but to fight – and for them not to worry because I was determined to beat this! My family commends me on how strong I was, especially in that moment.

DJ: There are numerous types of breast cancer. Which did you have?

Janel: I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Although it was stage 2, I was told I caught it early and that it was a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

DJ: Did you have a mammogram before the discovery of breast cancer?

Janel: Unfortunately, I had never gone for a mammogram. I was a busy working mom and a wife. If I knew then what I know now, I would have kept up with annual mammograms, gynecological exams, and monthly self-check exams. I now encourage women to take charge of their healthcare.

DJ: Were self-check exams part of your regular health routine?

Janel: Prior to my diagnosis, my daughter brought home a breast self-exam pamphlet. It was distributed by her gym teacher who previously had breast cancer. My daughter shared the information with me. I followed the directions and had zero findings at the time.

DJ: One’s risk of developing breast cancer increases when family history is present. Was this your case?

Janel: No. I do not have a family history associated with breast cancer. However, as a mother of two daughters, I asked for genetic testing for their health knowledge. Thankfully the testing found that everything was normal, and I did not carry the cancer susceptibility gene.

DJ: Your diagnosis and treatments came during the COVID pandemic. Did you encounter challenges?

Janel: Yes. My first meeting with my oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) was via zoom. I had to go through treatments alone and no one was allowed in the building to accompany me. I am thankful that MSK remained open! Some cancer treatment centers had to close their doors which resulted in some patients not receiving timely lifesaving treatments.

DJ: What were your treatment options?

Janel: I will never forget meeting with my surgeon and being told I would need chemotherapy. I lost it. I cried more hearing the word chemo than the word cancer. From there, I listened to and trusted my oncologist and surgeon. I learned that treatment options are advancing. My oncologist said five years prior they would have been scratching their heads to find a treatment plan that is successful for my type of breast cancer. Thanks to research and trials, treatment was available to me to specifically target my type of hormone positive cancer.

DJ: What did your treatment plan include?

Janel: My doctors and I tailored the most effective and aggressive treatment plan along with surgery that fit my needs to successfully get rid of my type of cancer. My treatment plan included infusions and hormone blocker therapies to reduce the risk of cancer return.

DJ: What valuable things did you learn on your health journey?

Janel: I learned many lessons. They include staying positive, listening to your body, resting doesn’t mean you are lazy, it’s good to accept support and comfort from others, don’t compare yourself to anyone, be kind and understanding, always say “yes” when offered a warm blanket in treatment, it’s okay to have bad days as long as you don’t stay there too long, and “This too shall pass.” (Advice from my beloved grandmother.)  

DJ: What role, if any, did family and friends play in your treatment support?

Janel: Family and friends are EVERYTHING! They helped with chores and meals, let me rest, and drove me to my treatments. My family helped me shave my head and go wig shopping. We celebrated countdowns and treatment milestones together. Family and friends also sent uplifting gifts and inspirational messages. I also cannot forget the amazing nurses who answered my questions and kept me comfortable in treatment.

DJ: Were there moments that moved you emotionally?

Janel: My family greeted me with pink balloons and decorations after my last chemo. They even planned a car parade during COVID in celebration of me completing radiation and ringing the bell. Such special moments!

DJ: Did faith play a role in your recovery?

Janel: It played a huge role. It opened my eyes and heart in such a spiritual way and increased my awareness of God, love of nature, and knowledge that angels are watching over me. I take time to notice special numbers, meaningful song lyrics, and to admire pink sunsets. I am blessed to receive so many comforting prayers from family and friends.

DJ: You are a breast cancer survivor, a term you favor. Why do you use that term?

Janel: I am thankful I am here and I’m proud to be called a cancer survivor. It was not an easy road, but I did it!

DJ: How do you feel about cancer today?

Janel: I’d be lying to say I’m not worried about the chance of my cancer returning. Though it remains in the back of my mind, I choose to stay optimistic and live my life joyfully day-to-day.

DJ: What keeps you so positive?

Janel: Knowing I am not alone on this journey is a huge comfort. With continued research, faith, hope, great doctors and nurses, and the loving support of family and friends, all things are possible!  

Disclosure: This interview is strictly a personal and inspirational account. It is not intended as a medical resource. For questions about cancer, talk to your health care provider. Also visit Nationalbreastcancer.org to obtain additional resources. To read more on the topic of breast cancer, click the following link: Eight things to know about breast cancer.