34-Year-Old Mother Receives Lifesaving Breast Cancer Treatment at PVHMC

Doni Pink has a message for women everywhere – no matter how old you are, know your body, and visit your doctor if something doesn't feel right.

The 34-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident and single mom to four children was taking a shower after a workout in March 2021 when she discovered a lump in her breast that felt unusual.

"I thought the lump was due to muscle soreness from working out. After a couple of weeks, I noticed the lump had grown and poked out, so I immediately made an appointment with my OB/GYN," Doni shared.

Doni then received a mammogram and ultrasound, which confirmed the mass that she felt. Next she had a biopsy of the lump which confirmed it was cancerous. After learning the biopsy results, she was referred to medical oncologist Benham Ebrahimi, MD, and to Lori Vanyo MD, Breast and Endocrine Surgeon and Medical Director of the Cancer Program, at The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC).

"I didn't know much about breast cancer," said Doni. "I was scared. I didn't know what to do. I began educating myself about my condition, and I was so grateful to learn about the latest advancements in detection and treatment. Everyone at the Cancer Care Center was amazing and helped explain things throughout my diagnosis and treatment."

Doni was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She was given her treatment options and decided to undergo a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and have her lymph nodes sampled. She also agreed to the recommendation of chemotherapy and radiation to lessen the chances of the breast cancer reoccurring.

"My diagnosis has taught me that you need a strong support system to help you be mentally prepared," she said. "I had days where I couldn't do things I would normally do. I also learned how to be gentle with myself and that it's ok to have bad days."

The Cancer Program's breast cancer nurse navigator connected her with a virtual support group and "mentor" survivors to help her through her journey.

"My nurse navigator Livia is amazing. One day, I was having a rough time. Livia sensed my mood and asked another cancer survivor to give me a call. I was able to ask the cancer survivor questions, for which I was grateful. Thanks to Livia, that cancer survivor became a mentor throughout my journey," she said.

Doni has finished her chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is looking forward to getting back to doing things she loves, including spending time with her children and going on fun outings like Disneyland.

"I am starting to feel stronger," said Doni. "My energy level is back, and I am beginning to feel more like my beautiful and confident self again.”

Doni credits her strong family support system for being with her at doctor appointments and helping her get through the treatments.

"The earlier the detection, the better your chances are of beating it," Doni said. "I would like to tell women that you can conquer this, stay positive, pray if you are religious, and accept that you are given a second chance. Don't second-guess yourself and get your mammogram regularly."

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To schedule a mammogram at one of our four convenient locations – the Breast Health Center in Pomona or the Pomona Valley Health Centers in Claremont, Chino Hills or La Verne - call PVHMC’s scheduling line at 909.469.9395. PVHMC’s cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.