Jeanette C.

Occupation : Administrative Assistant at Zion Mennonite Church

Hobbies/Interests : reading, playing board games, visiting with friends, listening to health podcasts, walking & strength training

My Story : I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (Stage 1A, Grade 2, ER/PR+, HER2-) of one breast at the age of 56. I opted for a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure. Neither radiation nor chemotherapy was recommended for me. I am now on Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, for 5 years. I feel like the breast cancer diagnosis was a wake-up call for me, and that I am on a better path, health-wise, than before my diagnosis. I have three grown children and two grandsons, whom I love to babysit.

I found BCSS online when I was looking for local support after my surgery. Working at BCSS gives me a chance to interact with others who have gone through a similar experience. I love to hear the stories of other breast cancer survivors.

To email Jeanette, click here.

Sam A.

Occupation : Executive Director-Habitats of Hope, LLC Certified Recovery Specialist Certified Family Recovery Specialist, Certified Intervention Professional

Hobbies/Interests : Golfing and spending time with family.

My Story : In 2006 I was speaking with my sister about some chest pains and that my PCP ran all the cardiology tests and found all was good there. She suggested that I check my breasts for lumps as we had lost an Uncle to cancer and his primary site was breast cancer that had metastasized and spread to his lungs, and sure enough there it was! I went to a surgeon and he found it with an Ultrasound. Upon removal is was non-malignant but within 6 months there was another and that one proved different! After removal and 19 courses of radiation, I have been cancer free since! He attributed it all to me checking for lumps and finding it so quickly and early! Men get breast cancer too! I proudly wear pink for BC awareness!

To email Sam, click here.

Karen H. 

Hobbies/Interests : pets, crafts, gem collecting, cooking and spending time with family.

My Story : I live in Robesonia with my mom and son, who is currently a junior at Kutztown University. I was diagnosed, in October 2021, at 47, with Stage 1 grade 1, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (ER/PR +, HER2‐). I had a partial mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, with the removal of 3 lymph nodes, in November 2021. I had 4 weeks (5 days a week) of radiation. I am currently receiving a 5 year treatment of Anastrozole. I have learned a lot and met many wonderful people through BCSS. I am very grateful for my family, friends, and everyone at BCSS.

To email Karen, click here.

Terri P.

Hobbies/Interests : Volunteering at BCSS and the Rotary Club of Muhlenberg.

My Story : I live in Reading/Muhlenberg area.  My family and friends come first in my life. I was diagnosed in November 2013.  A few weeks later I had a bi-lateral mastectomy. Next came chemo, and a month after chemo was completed I had reconstruction. I saw that BCSS was having an Open House, (when I was still going through chemo) so I decided to check it out.

“I was bald, scared and not sure why I was going but I knew I needed something - just didn’t know what. I found people that knew what I was going through.” I have been volunteering at BCSS ever since.

To email Terri, click here.

Rosetta B.

Volunteer work: mentor program with local elementary school

Hobbies/Interests: flying kites, kayaking, walking, hiking in state parks, and artwork.

My story: I am 75 years old and currently retired. I live in Hamburg with my two cats, Randy and Serenity. I was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ, stage 0) in the right breast at the age of 68. I first had a lumpectomy, but had two more surgeries, resulting in a double mastectomy. I did not need to have radiation or chemotherapy. On the first visit with my surgeon, I received a Comfort Bag from Breast Cancer Support Services. I went to their Newly Diagnosed Support Group and found the support I needed. Because of BCSS, I didn’t have to go through my breast cancer experience alone and developed friendships that helped me at every stage along the way. I want to be able to share the support I received with others.

To email Rosetta, click here.

Kimberly L.

Occupation: Retired Dental Hygienist

Hobbies: Gardening, Quilting, Cooking, Baking, and helping various volunteer organizations.

My Story : I live in Kempton, PA with my husband Lloyd and our cat Pickles. We have two sons, Bradyn and Carson. In October of 2021 an area of concern was found on my yearly screening mammogram. I proceeded with a diagnostic mammogram and biopsy and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma ER/PR positive, Her2 negative on November 19^th, 2021. My treatment was partial mastectomy with the removal of 7 lymph nodes. I did not have any lymph involvement and my Oncotype score was 9. My treatment post surgery was 6 weeks of radiaton and Anastrazole oral medication for 5-10 years. 

My surgeon informed me of Breast Cancer Support Services and also my cousin who is a 12+ year breast cancer survivor. My first volunteer event was Pink in the Rink while I was still in treatment. Everyone was extremely inviting and supportive. 

There are many services available to you and please do not be afraid to reach out for support or help. I decided to volunteer for BCSS so I can pay this wonderful gift of support and services they offer forward. Please feel free to contact me via email or the support line. 

I am a fighter, I will fight for you. I AM A SURVIVOR!

To email Kimberly, click here.

Diane S.

Occupation: Software Sales Manager

Hobbies/Interests: travel, walking, pickleball, biking, spending time with family and friends, playing games like Poker Keno and Five Crowns.

My story:In October of 2019, I went for a routine mammogram. This was followed by a diagnostic mammogram in November 2019. They found a very small (2mm) spot on the outer part of my right breast which might be cancerous. A biopsy, then lumpectomy, revealed stage 1, HER2+ breast cancer. The lymph nodes were found to be negative for any signs of cancer. 

My treatment began with 7 weeks of Taxol (the chemo regimen) and targeted treatment of Herceptin. After the 7 weeks, I received Herceptin every 3 weeks until Feb 2021. I also had 20 treatments of radiation (4 weeks, Mon-Fri) in June 2020. I lost all of my hair and wore wigs.

Now, about 3 1/2 years after my diagnosis, all is well. My daughter, Danielle, celebrated her marriage during the toughest part of my treatments, along with the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, and I had my first grandchild in 2021. There’s so much to look forward to! God, family, friends, and the Tower Health Group were, and continue to be, my strength!.

To email Diane, click here.

Maria Jiménez

Occupation: Oncology Patient Navigator-Generalist

My Story : My name is María S. Jiménez. I have a Bachelors degree in Healthcare Science from Alvernia University (2015) and I am a certified Oncology Patient Navigator-Certified Generalist (OPN-CG). In August of 2015, I was hired as a Patient Navigator/Promotora through a Susan G. Komen grant to assist primarily with the large Hispanic population. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor! In 2017, I found a lump on my right breast. My treatment consisted of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Immunotherapy, and anti-cancer medication. As a cancer survivor, I have also gone through the experience of feeling lost in a new and unknown world of a cancer diagnosis. I am here to give you my support and to serve you.

Mi nombre es María S. Jiménez. Tengo una licenciatura en Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Alvernia (2015) y soy un Generalista Certificado como Navegador de Pacientes de Oncología (OPN-CG). En agosto de 2015, me contrataron como una promotora de pacientes a través de una subvención de Susan G. Komen para ayudar principalmente a la gran población hispana. ¡Soy un sobreviviente de cáncer de mama! En 2017, encontré un bulto en mi seno derecho. Mi tratamiento consistió en cirugía, quimioterapia, radioterapia, inmunoterapia y medicación contra el cáncer. Como sobreviviente de cáncer, también he pasado por la experiencia de sentirme perdido en un mundo nuevo y desconocido de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Estoy aquí para brindarles mi apoyo y servirles.

To email María, click here.