Survivor: Shaunna L. Browne, 53, North Woodstock.
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Diagnosis: I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in February of 2024.
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My journey and its impact: My breast cancer journey began when I went for my annual mammogram at CMC Breast Care Center in Bedford in November 2023. On Nov. 15, I received the ominous letter informing me there was an issue detected that would require additional screening. After some insurance issues, I was finally scheduled for an ultrasound and a biopsy shortly thereafter.
In February 2024, the results came back as positive for IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma. I was scheduled almost immediately to meet with Dr. Jessica Ryan and Keyla Gervais, PAC, who took the time to explain my diagnosis, my options and a treatment plan. I was provided with a binder that offered so much information about not only my diagnosis, but detailed information about each step of the process, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and numerous articles and insight as to what steps or products I could take to minimize all of the various side effects which come with each step of the process.
Both Dr. Ryan and Keyla took the time to go through the binder with me and answer each of my questions. Dr. Ryan was very proactive in making sure that I received any test results as quickly as possible, including personally calling me to discuss what the results meant for my treatment plan.
I had fully retired only six months prior to my diagnosis. I am thankful that my diagnosis came when it did because I cannot imagine how I would have managed my treatment and manage my former law office at the same time. Upon learning of my diagnosis, all of our amazing plans went out the window as my husband and I began my breast cancer journey. My calendar quickly filled up with a variety of medical appointments, breast care team, plastic surgery team, radiology, oncology, etc.
Since my diagnosis, I feel like I have been in a constant state of waiting: waiting for surgery, waiting to heal from surgery, waiting to begin chemo, waiting in between chemo treatments, waiting to begin radiation, waiting to feel better, waiting to finally be done with this journey. However, I have never felt alone during this process because Dr. Ryan and her team at the CMC Breast Care Center have been with me every step of the way.
Those that know me know that I am not one to wait. I have always been goal orientated and have lived my life to reach those goals. I have learned to rely upon my wonderful team of professionals for guidance through this journey and have realized that while I cannot control my diagnosis, I can control how I live my life through this process.
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Why did you get involved with MSABC?: I have always donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer because there are just so many women who have had to go through this journey. I never anticipated that someday I would be the one to benefit from this amazing organization.
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Why should community members get involved in the fight to end breast cancer?: When you take a moment to think about how many families are impacted by breast cancer, it only makes sense for the community to unite so that all of the amazing research and programs can continue and grow. Unfortunately, breast cancer is not going away anytime soon so it is imperative that we take strides toward addressing the needs of those who are currently diagnosed and researching how we can better treat and someday eradicate breast cancer once and for all.
By taking a community approach it helps those who are or have been treated for breast cancer to understand they are not in this fight alone. The sense of community certainly helps me know that I am not alone, which does wonders for my spirit and keeps me motivated to continue to move forward.
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How has the ACS helped you throughout your journey?: I am blessed with amazing professionals that have guided me through this journey; however, without the research and information available on the American Cancer Society website, I would not have been able to discuss and contribute to my care program as much as I have been able to. The American Cancer Society website not only provides important research and care information, it also provides information about programs and services that you don't even realize you may need until you do. It also provides a safe place to connect with others that have similar experiences so that you can have real conversations and come up with solutions to non-medical issues you encounter.
The amount of research that the American Cancer Society has been able to accomplish over the years is unparalleled. The care that I am receiving today is very different than the care someone would have received even five years ago. The customization of care available for each patient has helped alleviate, if not eliminate, over treatment and has helped minimized many of the unpleasant side effects caused by treatment.
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Photo above: Shaunna Browne, provided by the American Cancer Society.