Melissa’s Journey from Breast Cancer Survivor to Advocate
Melissa had no lump. No symptoms. No family history of breast cancer.
At 42, she went for her first routine mammogram after her husband noticed a subtle change in the appearance of her nipple. She had no reason to believe anything was seriously wrong.
That mammogram changed everything.
It revealed microcalcifications in her right breast. What was initially believed to be stage 0 breast cancer ultimately proved to be much more extensive. After a lumpectomy and additional scans and biopsies, doctors discovered four separate areas of cancer in her right breast. Her final diagnosis: stage 3 breast cancer.
Her treatment journey included 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by 33 rounds of radiation. She also underwent physical therapy, continues to take Tamoxifen, and receives an infusion of Zometa every six months.
The physical and emotional toll was significant.
“I felt like my appearance was so dramatically changed in such a short time,” Melissa said. “I would look in the mirror and not recognize the person looking back.”
Losing her long, curly red hair was especially difficult. Chemotherapy brought severe side effects, leaving her sick, unable to eat or drink at times, and often unable to get out of bed.
Through it all, her husband and sister-in-law were by her side. Her sister-in-law took time off from work to help after surgery, while her husband drove her to chemotherapy appointments, helped change her dressings and managed her medications when treatment left her struggling with brain fog.
Melissa also credits her care team at St. Joseph Hospital with helping her through one of the most frightening experiences of her life.
“Every single person at St. Joseph Hospital who was part of my experience treated me with so much love and compassion,” she said. “I constantly felt like I was more than just a patient to them.”
One of her most cherished memories came at the end of chemotherapy. As Melissa prepared to ring the bell marking her final treatment, she didn't know that her care team was planning a surprise. Her breast surgeon, Sabine Manoli, MD, nurses from the breast center, and members of her oncology team coordinated behind the scenes so they could be there to celebrate with her. Even the radiologist who first identified the cancer on her mammogram joined the celebration.
“It was so meaningful to share that moment with them all,” she said. “It is a memory I will always cherish.”
Today, Melissa describes herself as a different person. Her cancer journey inspired her to address her anxiety, stop worrying about the small things, and appreciate the time she has. She began running, joined a running club, and found a community of friends who have supported and inspired her.
She also began sharing her experience publicly. After women told her that her story encouraged them to schedule their first mammograms, Melissa realized the power of sharing her journey.
Today, she is an active breast cancer advocate and has participated in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk for the past three years. This year, she joined the event's planning committee.
Her message to women is simple: Don't wait.
“When I was diagnosed, I had no symptoms,” she said. “None of my tumors could be felt during a breast exam. Yet the cancer was in my lymph nodes.”
“Melissa’s story is a powerful reminder of why routine breast cancer screening is so important,” said Sabine Manoli, MD, breast surgeon at St. Joseph Hospital. “Breast cancer does not always cause a noticeable lump or other symptoms. Mammography can detect changes that cannot be seen or felt, giving us the opportunity to diagnose cancer earlier and begin the appropriate care.”
For those facing a new diagnosis, Melissa encourages them to take a deep breath, lean on their community, and allow others to help.
“The breast cancer community is so welcoming and loving,” she said. “It’s the worst club with the best members, and we take care of each other.”
After everything she has been through, Melissa says she is most proud of never losing her smile or sense of humor.
“I’m proud of fighting with a smile,” she said. “Even when I was sick and struggling, I was still cracking jokes and smiling.”
