After a routine mammogram last year, Sabrina’s doctor ordered additional diagnostic testing.
“I have dense tissue, which can make it more difficult to detect tumors on a mammogram. It’s one of the reasons I’m diligent about getting screened every year,” she explained. “I’ve needed diagnostic mammograms before, so that in itself wasn’t surprising.”
But this time was different. In addition to a second mammogram, Sabrina also needed biopsies in both breasts.
“At that point, even though the official diagnosis hadn’t come, I just knew I had cancer. I went home and broke down as I told my husband.”
On Oct. 28, 2024, Sabrina was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer – cancer in each breast. And each was a different kind of cancer – DCIS stage 0 on one side and invasive lobular, stage 1 on the other.
“I like to tell people I’m an overachiever because I got two cancers at once,” she joked. “But in all seriousness, I was very fortunate. The cancers were both caught early. I needed surgery and radiation but no chemotherapy. My side effects were minor. It was the best case of a bad situation.”
Now, Sabrina sees her oncologist, Dr. Syed Hassan at Aurora Cancer Care in Racine, every six months. She takes medication and has additional screenings, including mammograms and MRIs every 6 months.
“I just had my one-year anniversary of being diagnosed. We went out to a nice dinner; my husband thought I was crazy to celebrate the day I was diagnosed with cancer, but it’s more about moving forward with my life. Last year was all cancer stuff. I’m celebrating a new beginning.”
Stronger Together
Part of Sabrina’s journey moving forward included a 24-hour retreat for women cancer survivors. The Stronger Together retreat was hosted by Aurora Cancer Care and made possible by philanthropy.
“I was excited to go and talk with other women who understand what I went through and who had similar experiences,” shared Sabrina. “For example, I’m experiencing brain fog as a result of my treatment; It was nice to know I wasn’t the only one.”
The 50 women at the retreat participated in a variety of activities. There were also opportunities for quiet reflection and free time.
“We did yoga and took walks on the beach. We learned about healthy eating and had delicious meals. We did a fun craft project. It was good to get away from my daily life and be with other survivors.”
A generous donation to Aurora Health Care Foundation was essential in making the retreat possible. The event also had support from Aurora Health Care clinicians and community involvement from the Glam4Goods charity, which donated self-care bags, and Gateway College Cosmetology school, which offered free facials and hand massages from students.
“It was only 24 hours, but it was a good reset,” said Sabrina. “The best part was meeting people who’ve been through cancer and realizing my feelings are valid. I’m not done healing. I have to give myself grace and be patient.”
Sabrina is grateful for the care she’s received during her cancer journey and beyond.
"My cancer journey from diagnosis to surgery was a well-oiled machine. It was wonderful to be guided step-by-step through that uncharted territory. But the next phase of my journey – posttreatment – has been more difficult. There are lots of online resources, booklets and brochures, and all my doctors and nurses are available to answer anything I ask, but nothing compares to face-to-face conversations with women who once were, or currently are, EXACTLY where I am in this journey.”
Sabrina added, “The Stronger Together retreat helped me feel 'normal' again. Talking, laughing and sharing with these women helped me understand what I am feeling right now is normal. The ups and downs are normal. Fear and frustration are normal. Aches, pains and brain fog are normal. Thanks to Aurora and its generous sponsors and donors, this retreat made me feel less like someone who had cancer and more like ... me."
How you can help
Programs like the Stronger Together retreat are made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Please consider making a gift today.