Breast Cancer Patient Stories

Judi Blue began yearly mammography screening when she was 35 after she learned she had fibrocystic breast disease, a noncancerous condition, and also because of a history of breast cancer in her family. This strategy paid off when Judi found out she had breast cancer in 2007. Because her mother was treated at Fox Chase Cancer Center for breast cancer in 1995, Judi chose to go there as well. Her treatment consisted of a lumpectomy, other surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Two years later the cancer returned, and Judi underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction, which was a success. "I was very impressed with all the staff I met at Fox Chase," Judi said. "I can’t imagine seeing people in this condition day after day and it not taking its toll on you. All of the nurses were amazing and compassionate. The nurses in the infusion room were so comforting and empathetic."

Margaret Zuccotti was a young, energetic 37-year-old mother when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Upon her doctor's recommendation, she sought treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where she underwent chemotherapy, and, later, a mastectomy, in order to do everything she could to combat her breast cancer. Today she is cancer free, but still goes back to Fox Chase every three weeks for an infusion with maintenance therapy, as follow-up care. "It has now been over 10 years since I learned of my cancer diagnosis," Margaret said. "At the beginning, I had hoped that I could survive two years. Then at two years I was doing well so I thought maybe I would live five more years. Now, 10 years later, I know I have a long life with my wonderful family ahead of me."

After a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, Diane Check sought treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center. With the help of Dr. Marcia Boraas of Fox Chase and Dr. Shelly Hayes of Fox Chase Cancer Center Buckingham, Diane beat breast cancer through chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.