After receiving the news she had breast cancer, Wendy DeWeerd faced her diagnosis head-on. In the midst of treatment, she’s stepping up to do more by sharing her breast cancer story and fundraising to help end breast cancer through her local Race for the Cure.
An Unexpected Lump
Wendy never expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. But then she discovered a ping pong ball-sized lump in her left breast while getting ready for a night out with her family.
Although the discovery surprised her, Wendy – who works as a wound care nurse – wasn’t immediately concerned. “I have always been told that tumors are often found closer to the armpit,” she said. “This was closer to the middle of my chest, so my first instinct was that it was a benign condition.”
Trusting Her Gut and Making Appointments
Despite her initial thought that the lump wasn’t a cause for concern, Wendy still took action. The following Monday, she called her doctor’s office to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound. After reviewing the results, her doctor ordered a biopsy.
“It was at that point that the fact that I could have breast cancer became real,” she said.
The News it Was Breast Cancer and What Came Next
As Wendy was getting ready to go to the gym that weekend, she received an alert on her phone. The results of her biopsy were available through her patient portal.
“There it was in writing,” she said. “I had breast cancer.”
Wendy immediately got to work. She scheduled follow-up appointments, scans and tests, which confirmed her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Her treatment began in February with chemotherapy.
“I’m still in the early stages of treatment, but the side effects from chemotherapy have been minimal,” she said. “I’ve been a little weak and fatigued, but my white blood cell count has never dipped too low to receive treatment.”
Exercise Helps with Treatment Side Effects
The year prior to her diagnosis, Wendy began a wellness journey. “I lost right around 40 pounds and was at the gym every day,” she said. “I also started CrossFit and even participated in a competition that raised funds for breast cancer.”
Although her side effects are minimal, Wendy has reduced her training sessions from five to six days a week to three. “Getting my blood pumping just feels good,” she said. “And I feel like it helps sweat out the chemo.”
Race for the Cure: A Different Kind of Birthday Celebration
While browsing Facebook during treatment, Wendy came across a post promoting the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. Inspired, she registered and recruited her close friends to join her.
“We usually will take a girls trip to celebrate my birthday,” she said. “My birthday looked very different this year, so I decided that I would celebrate by registering and fundraising.”
Once she registered, Wendy went through her phone’s contact list and sent messages to people she felt would donate to support her fundraising. “A week or two later, I went back through and decided to include people that I felt might not donate,” she said. “And I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of donations I received from just asking.”
On Saturday, May 17, Wendy and her team, #WendyStrong, attended their first Race for the Cure. Wendy participated in her first Parade of Hope – where survivors, those currently in treatment and those living with metastatic breast cancer walk into the Opening Ceremony.
“As I was getting ready for the parade, two women warned me that it would be a very emotional experience,” she said. “I’m not much of a crier, but when I walked on that stage with the other women touched by breast cancer, I started to tear up. It was very emotional.”
The Road Ahead
Once Wendy completes her final cycle of chemotherapy in July, she’ll meet with her breast surgeon to discuss her surgery options. Following surgery, she’ll undergo radiation therapy.
Through it all, she’ll have her husband by her side. “Initially, I had friends lined up to go to treatment with me, but he decided he was going to be there with me at every appointment,” she said. “This experience has strengthened our relationship. He’s been my rock.”
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 healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
