Breast Cancer: Susan's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Susan Ruffini was treated for breast cancer at MSK Commack in 2006. Her breast cancer subtype, stage, surgery details and chemotherapy regimen were not provided. The focus is what came after treatment: Susan was declared cancer-free, but then developed lymphedema, a chronic swelling condition that can occur after cancer treatment. For Susan, survivorship did not mean everything went back to normal. Lymphedema was visible, uncomfortable and lifelong, and it affected her emotionally as well as physically. Rather than withdraw, she looked for support. MSK Commack created a lymphedema support group, and Susan became one of its long-term members. The group met monthly and gave women space to discuss body image, family comments, coping strategies and the day-to-day realities of a chronic condition. A physical therapist brought practical guidance on exercise, bandaging, garments and lifestyle changes, while an oncology social worker helped members talk openly and support one another. Susan also had deep ties to MSK because her family had received care there, including her mother, who died of metastatic colon cancer. Ten years after Susan was deemed cancer-free, she marked the milestone by speaking publicly about breast cancer, lymphedema and the community that helped her keep healing.