When Debricca was diagnosed with breast cancer, she faced several challenges related to her treatment, including complications after surgery and developing lymphedema. Once treatment was finished, she was able to turn her focus to healing after breast cancer.
An Abnormal Mammogram
After dealing with severe endometriosis for years, Debricca underwent a radical hysterectomy when she was 40, after which she started receiving routine menopausal hormone therapy.
“After three injections, the nurse told me I needed to have a mammogram before we continued with the injections,” Debricca said. “I scheduled a mammogram, my first, to check the box so I could continue the treatments.”
Four days after having her first mammogram, Debricca received a call from the office that she needed further testing. She had a diagnostic mammogram and a breast ultrasound, which showed areas of concern in both of her breasts.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
She had a breast biopsy the following week and, six days after that, Debricca learned she had stage 1 estrogen receptor-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. “I was in shock. How was I going to tell my sons?” she said. “I was anxious all week waiting on the results, and once I got them, it was like a weight was lifted.”
A Treatment Plan
Debricca’s treatment would include a partial mastectomy and a bilateral oncoplastic procedure (reconstruction at the same time), followed by four weeks of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, it did not go as smoothly as she and her care team had hoped.
While Debricca’s surgery went well, with all cancer cells removed and confirmation that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes, the healing process was painful and emotionally draining. “Two weeks after surgery, my stitches were removed,” she said. “And the next week, the skin under my breast started to literally separate and became infected.”
Delay in Treatment
Debricca’s radiation was delayed, which caused her immense stress. “I worried the delay meant I was going to die,” she said. Debricca had the infection removed and, over the next nine weeks, waited for her body to heal. During this time, her doctor assured her that the delay in starting radiation would be okay. “He said it was more important for my body to heal naturally,” she said.
Treatment Continues
Once Debricca healed, she started radiation therapy two months later than originally planned. “The first day I went for radiation was my first time back at the hospital since my surgery. I just burst into tears,” she said, overwhelmed by her emotions. While the radiation went well, Debricca did experience radiation burns on her neck and chest, but her radiation oncologist prescribed steroid cream that helped her skin go back to normal.
After 20 rounds of radiation, Debricca, surrounded by her family and loved ones, rang the bell to signify the end of treatment. “It’s been a difficult journey, it’s been tiring. I have follow-up appointments and take daily hormone therapy to reduce the likelihood of recurrence,” she said.
Lymphedema Diagnosis
Debricca developed lymphedema due to the removal of a lymph node and the effects of radiation, which caused fluid buildup in her right breast. “I did 18 weeks of physical therapy to help me regain range of motion in my arm. Some days were worse than others when I couldn’t even lift my arm up,” she said. “Once a week, I’d have a lymphatic drainage massage, which helped a lot, too.” She still occasionally has lymphedema flare-ups, but she is able to manage them.
In November 2023, Debricca had an abnormal mammogram, which caused uncertainty and fear. “The mental trauma was overwhelming,” she said, “but thankfully, follow-up tests showed everything was okay.”
Grieving and Healing
Even though her breast cancer treatment and treatment for lymphedema was difficult, Debricca felt grateful throughout her experiences. “I always felt blessed, even when I was mad or sad,” she said. “It’s okay to be thankful you made it through this, but it’s also okay to ask why this happened to me.”
Initially, Debricca was resistant to share her breast cancer story. “I didn’t want anything with a breast cancer ribbon on it, I didn’t want to associate myself with breast cancer,” she explained. “But I realized it takes courage to share, and I have the opportunity to share my story with others, I have the opportunity to help others with my story.”
Debricca continues to process what she’s been through. “I’m still dealing with the mental health aspects, I’m still healing and I’m still in the grieving process,” she said. “Breast cancer is a humbling experience. You lose a part of yourself for the sake of saving your life.”
Susan G. Komen would like to thank Merck for their generous support of the Stand for H.E.R. program.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
