Although blindsided by a breast cancer diagnosis, Heidi Angle of Marietta, Georgia, said her optimism has been well nourished throughout her journey with breast cancer. She shares her gratitude for everyone who’s walked with her — for their expertise, gentle counsel and kindnesses — and how hope has been put to work in her life.
“Put HOPE to work!” That is written on a large dry-erase board in my office. Little did I realize what a call to action that would be in my own life — a profoundly spiritual call to action!
On Feb. 5, 2024, my left breast felt sore. I performed a self-exam and discovered a lump, but not the circular kind I expected. What I felt was more
like a worm — a horizontal lump about two inches long. After a suspicious mammogram, I had an ultrasound on Feb. 21. The nurse, Lynette, stood behind me, took my hands in hers, and held them throughout the procedure. I was so comforted by
her kindness as I anxiously hoped for good news. It was the first of many unexpected beautiful moments I have experienced during my cancer journey.
Unfortunately, the radiologist said he suspected lobular cancer that possibly traveled to one node. When he told me his suspicions it was like he was talking to someone else in the room. I remember looking at him, cocking my head in disbelief, and asking "Really? Are you sure?" It just didn’t seem possible. I walked to my car in profound disbelief.
After further tests on Feb. 29, my diagnosis was confirmed: metastatic lobular carcinoma in my left breast, a 6.5 cm tumor reaching the chest wall, and four lymph nodes involved.
Even though the diagnosis was confirmed, I remained in disbelief. What did sink in and overwhelmed me was that I had no idea how to find a surgeon. Who has a surgeon in their back pocket? My trusted primary doctor of 20 years, Dr. Ibrez Bandukwala, that’s who. He recommended Dr. Iqbal Garcha, a general surgeon at Northside Hospital, and contacted him on my behalf.
What a blessing Dr. Garcha was and continues to be! He’s patient with my unending questions, caring, and explains things in a way that makes sense. Not to mention his outstanding surgical skills — his entire team is spectacular. His physician assistant, Meghan Williams, is equally compassionate and knowledgeable.
Dr. Garcha recommended several other gifted Northside specialists, now members of my medical team — each at the top of their disciplines, attentive, responsive and endless givers of hope. I am incredibly grateful for plastic surgeon Dr. Katherine Santosa, medical oncologist Dr. Kristina Bowen, radiation oncologist Dr. Sarah Singh, and my long-time gynecologist, Dr. Eva Arkin.
Once my surgeon was confirmed, the next few weeks were a whirlwind of appointments and tests, ending with a PET scan in late March. Then came the ever-stressful waiting period (seven weeks) until my surgery on May 21. My mind kept thinking, "My cancer isn’t going to wait." My nurse navigator, Kathy Clarke-Barnard, became an essential source of support. It was such a nerve-wracking time; I could not have managed without her help.
The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute oncology patient navigation team is an invaluable offering. At first, I didn’t believe I needed such assistance. Thank goodness I changed my mind. Kathy has been with me every step, guiding me through my mastectomy, port implant, chemotherapy, hair loss, a five-day hospital
stay during chemo and, now, preparation for radiation therapy. She is professional, insightful and caring to the core. Her comforting style and positive outlook truly give hope wings.
That seven-week wait turned out to be a blessing. I needed more time to decide my course of treatment. Initially, I thought I should have a double mastectomy. It was kind of a knee-jerk reaction to fear, even though I have no family history or genetic markers for breast cancer. During those weeks, I was able to gather information and ask more questions and, maybe more importantly, I was able to settle into my feelings around it all.
My final decision was to have a single mastectomy, although the decision was a challenge — my doctors fully supported it but so many of my truly well-meaning loved ones had strong opinions on what I should do. The journey has been challenging not only for me but also for those supporting me. They can’t make the decisions, cure the cancer or magically bring back my hair (though now I feel bald is beautiful)! But I could not have gotten through any of it without them — my personal caregivers and champions — as well as the experienced team of physicians, nurses, techs and support staff at Northside who continue guiding my return to health.
It’s so odd that cancer, of all things, is responsible for bringing so many dear and inspiring people into my life, to uplift me on this long journey. I have been blessed with unwavering support, always by my side and in the trenches with me. HOPE has definitely been put to work!
Learn more about breast cancer care at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
