What happened, in summary

Tonya, a radiographer and mother of two, was living in Ireland when a routine mammogram led to a same-day biopsy. She received the biopsy result 3 days later and learned that she had breast cancer.

Tonya first chose lumpectomy after her doctor recommended breast-conserving surgery. When that surgery did not control the cancer, her treatment plan changed and she underwent a mastectomy. She then received radiation therapy and hormone therapy. At the time she described her experience, both treatments were ongoing and she said she was in remission. She did not report strong treatment side effects or financial difficulties.

The diagnosis initially left Tonya frightened, helpless, and overwhelmed. Counseling helped her work through the feeling of helplessness. She continued regular contact with her parents and looked forward to traveling and visiting family. As a healthcare professional, she also hoped to keep learning and become a better provider. Her experience reinforced for her that each cancer journey is individual and that support can come from many different people.