Diagnosed with an Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer, A Survivor Shares How Early Detection Saved Her Life

Two years ago, Yvette Wojtasiak, BSN, RN-C, Nx, Lactation Consultant at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) was home when she felt her bra wire poking into her side. When she shifted her bra, she felt a lump in her breast. It had been almost one year since Yvette’s last mammogram.

Feeling concerned, Yvette reached out to her primary care physician and was able to quickly receive a referral for a mammogram at the Breast Health Center at The Robert & Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center (CCC). Her mammogram and the radiologist confirmed the lump was abnormal and a biopsy was done less than a week later.

The biopsy and subsequent testing revealed Yvette had stage two triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of cancer that can be difficult to treat and has a higher rate of recurrence. Yvette’s testing also revealed that she is positive for the BRCA2 gene, which increases the risk of developing certain cancers. Thankfully, Yvette’s two daughters tested negative for the same.

According to the American Cancer Society, 10-15% of breast cancer cases diagnosed are triple negative and tend to be more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation.

“I was nervous, but also hopeful and had a sense of peace,” said Yvette. “I didn’t know what God’s purpose was for me at the time. But I embraced that he had a plan, and I was optimistic that I would be able to move forward. I was also thankful to be born in a time when we have many medical advancements and receive treatment in the U.S.”

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer causes more than 40,000 deaths in women each year in the U.S. Screening mammograms have been proven to reduce the amount of Breast Cancer related deaths. This is why the American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 and older receive an annual mammogram.

“Although my case was unavoidable, so many women can cut down the severity with monthly self-exams and by getting their annual mammogram if they are over the age of 40,” said Yvette. “Don’t ignore it if you feel something.”

Yvette received treatment by medical oncologist Swarna Chanduri, M.D. at The Robert & Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center. Yvette completed eight rounds of chemotherapy over a six-month period. Three weeks into her treatment, her hair began to fall out. As a tight knit family, her husband and daughter rallied around her and helped cut her hair short while their son was able to be part of the experience through video chat.

From her family, friends, colleagues and medical team, Yvette felt an overwhelming amount of love and support from her network that helped her do her best to stay positive during her diagnosis and treatment.

“There were so many amazing people involved in my care, from my doctors to the breast cancer nurse navigator, Livia, to my lymphedema physical therapist and so many more,” said Yvette.

Yvette understood the importance of taking preventive measures and consulted with PVHMC surgeon Lori Vanyo, M.D., who practices at the CCC. After speaking with Dr. Vanyo, Yvette opted for a double mastectomy due to her triple negative diagnosis and that she was positive for the BRCA2 gene.

“It was not a matter of if the cancer would come back, but more so when,” said Yvette. “I didn’t want to risk it.”

After completing her chemotherapy, she had her double mastectomy on September 30, and she calls this her “cancerversary.”

“Even though October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to highlight the importance of self-breast exams and mammograms all year-round,” says Dr. Chanduri. “Early detection can lead to more treatment options and higher chances of survival.”

“Early detection saved my life– if I had waited, I wouldn’t be here,” said Yvette. “I feel purpose in that if I can share my story with others, it may help even just one person get screened and save their life, too. I want people to see my face and remind themselves to get a mammogram.”

To learn more about early detection and breast cancer treatment, visit the Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center: https://www.pvhmc.org/centers-of-excellence/the-robert-beverly-lewis-family-cancer-care-cent/.