A breast cancer diagnosis during an annual wellness visit would come as a shock to any woman. But for Joyce Zach, it has not dimmed her optimism. In fact, she’s been sharing her glass-half-full approach through a breast cancer support group ever since.
“I am positive,” said Zach. “I have great support from friends, neighbors, church members and family.”
The 70-year-old Marion woman’s mammogram in June led to a second one, then an ultrasound that confirmed a tumor. A biopsy was done.
“The pathology performed on the tissue from the breast biopsy was determined to be cancer. It was an anxious time waiting for all of the tests to be conducted to determine and identify exactly the type of breast cancer I had,” Zach said.
Zach was diagnosed with malignant invasive ductal carcinoma Grade 2. Treatment started immediately. Twelve weeks of chemotherapy were followed by surgery, and then Herceptin (an intravenous drug that is used to prevent breast cancer recurrence) every three weeks until June 2022.
“I just completed my seventh week of chemotherapy. Initially I opted for a lumpectomy for that breast,” she said.
She was faithful with annual mammograms and has no family history of breast cancer. In fact, Zach’s genetic testing was negative for 35 associated genes. Her only side effect has been hair loss.
“It is frightening to learn you have breast cancer,” Zach said. “Hearing the diagnosis and learning about the type of cancer you have and the treatment with the possible side effects can be very overwhelming! After I finally accepted my situation, I just had to keep moving forward with the necessary doctor appointments and chemotherapy. You have to.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, women age 70 and older are in the highest risk group with a roughly 4 percent chance (1 in 24) of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the next 10 years. For a woman in her 30s, the risk is 0.5 percent, or 1 in 204.
But Harvard Medical School reports that although the odds of developing breast cancer increase after age 60, the likelihood of dying from it is low. Researchers attribute this to mammography improvements, surgery and reconstruction advances and more effective drugs that are less toxic.
Despite the promising outlook for Zach based on her treatment options, the retiree has another hurdle to overcome in what should be her golden years.
“I had an MRI and that showed a tumor in the other breast which is benign,” Zach said.
That’s where Hall-Perrine Cancer Center’s Especially for You Breast Cancer Support Group comes in. The treatment center in Cedar Rapids has been offering in-person and virtual options for patients and survivors.
“My first meeting was in July which we were able to meet in-person,” Zach said. “The August meeting was done via Zoom again, because of the increase in Covid cases. I was impressed by this group and learned about other members’ cancer journeys and treatments. What a wonderful way to connect and know you are not alone and how you felt during your own cancer journey was felt similarly by others. And they are so willing to share experiences and helpful ideas.”
In addition to participants who range in age from their 30s to their 70s, featured speakers in the support group offered Zach a plethora of information about breast cancer through the lens of other women who were open about their experiences.
“In this particular support group, I believe I am the only one currently in treatment. All of the other members have been diagnosed, received treatment and are all doing fine,” she said.
Zach adds that it’s been interesting to learn the varying diagnoses and treatments for each woman. “Some of the members just received radiation, some chemotherapy, perhaps both,” she said. “Some elected lumpectomies and other members had double mastectomies. But no matter what the diagnosis was for each woman and the subsequent treatment, they survived and are doing well it seems and leading full lives.”
“You are supported, and you realize you are not alone in your anxiety, fears. Your questions were their questions. It is just an amazing support group,” Zach said. “Sharing information, suggestions from the others, what to expect before and after surgery, is all beneficial learning from the women who have been through this cancer experience. Staying positive and upbeat is really important.”
A support group has been especially helpful for a diagnosis that, Zach admits, is daunting no matter how positively you view life.
“It is a shock and to digest all of the information that is presented to you about your cancer, your treatment, your options. I had two very good friends with me during my visits with the oncologist where I learned about my specific type of cancer, the treatment, the side effects,” she said.
Zach, who is single with no children, advises other breast cancer patients to set boundaries in terms of how much they want to share and how much support they’re open to receiving.
“It becomes your own personal cancer journey, and you decide how to most comfortably handle the initial diagnosis and when and how you feel the most comfortable in beginning to tell others and accepting support and help,” she said, adding that “it was overwhelming at first, because, as for me, I was still adjusting to the fact I had breast cancer. So much to know and learn and accept.”
So how is she doing months after her breast cancer diagnosis?
“I am doing great! I just completed seven of 12 chemo treatments. I did lose hair, but that seems to be the only side effect so far. Most of all, I am confident of my treatment, my doctors and am positive of my outcome,” Zach said.
Hall-Perrine’s breast cancer support group is described as a support group for women with a history of breast cancer. It meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the treatment center’s community room. For more information, go to https://ift.tt/3zUo2Cg or call (319) 365-HOPE.
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