Breast Cancer Survivors & Stories from Patients
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Breast cancer survivors at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) have a story to tell. In this section, you will read the personal accounts of breast cancer patients who were treated at one of our hospitals and found a comprehensive approach to treatment. Their stories are ones of courage, determination and hope.
What is Breast Cancer?
In the Fight
Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. Although the disease occurs mostly in women, men can get breast cancer too. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast. Cancer that begins in the lobules (milk-making glands) of the breast is called lobular carcinoma. Another, less common, type of breast cancer is inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
To learn more about breast cancer and the integrative breast cancer treatment options available at CTCA, visit our Breast Cancer Center.
CTCA Breast Cancer Survivors Speak Up
To learn about what makes CTCA different and how we can help you fight breast cancer, read our survivor stories. Here, our breast cancer patients will share with you how they first found hope, and then healing, at CTCA.
Karyn Marshall
"Once I understood what CTCA was all about, I knew it was the right fit for me. As a chiropractor, it was really important to include chiropractic and holistic healthcare with my traditional cancer treatment. The fact CTCA did that and also had top-notch medical teams made it the right place for me."
Read Karyn’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Audrey Allen
"What I really loved about CTCA is that my doctors and other care providers talked to each other. They sat down together and talked about my case to come up with a plan just for me. That was huge, knowing that I didn’t have just one doctor. I had a whole team of doctors and care providers, all of whom knew my situation and what they needed to do for me. And, I appreciated that my doctors were aggressive with my treatment protocol and on top of my care."
Read Audrey’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Helen Crosskey
"CTCA took very good care of me. And I liked the way the doctors talked to me. They didn’t speak to me as though they were better than me. Instead, they shared my medical information with me and allowed me to help make decisions about my treatment… All of the members of my team looked at me as an individual and designed my care around my needs."
Read Helen’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Marie Botchie
"Being away from my family and friends during treatment was hard at times, but a blessing as well. I missed them and worried about them, but it gave me time to reflect and heal."
Read Marie’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Terrece Crawford
"When we arrived at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, I was scared and anxious. Yet, as we walked into the building, it was like a wave of peace just came over us. I immediately began to feel like my burden was being lifted by the friendly, sincere and compassionate people everywhere I looked."
Read Terrece’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Nicole Cyrille
"After three days of seeing the compassion and commitment emanating from my care team at CTCA—which also included a surgical oncologist, psychologist, naturopath, pain management coordinator and nutritionist—I was convinced that CTCA was where I should be. I promptly cancelled my appointments with the other cancer hospitals."
Read Nicole’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Susan Ginther
"I decided to visit CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois for a little look-see. But as soon as I walked in the door, I knew I was in the right place. It was like a piece of heaven. I was welcomed with open arms."
Read Susan’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Note: Each of these personal breast cancer stories has been faithfully reproduced in the words of our patients.
