Stories of hope

Early detection of breast cancer can save your life. Meet inspiring women who beat breast cancer. 

 

 

Maribel's success story

Maribel Soper is part of the Health First community. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, Maribel is now in remission. 

I woke up the morning of my 29th birthday with anticipation, completely unprepared for the news my doctor would give me later in the day. Optimism turned to shock, fear, and a realization of how uninformed I was about what would become the focal point of my life for the next many months. The members of my oncology team provided information, support, and comfort, which led me to choose a lifesaving mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

I was cancer-free for 16 years. I married the love of my life and gave birth to my two amazing children. My life and prognosis were both very good. Then, in 2012, a large tumor was found in my chest, ironically, on the mastectomy side. 

This time the diagnosis was inoperable stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Those words still sound horrific to me. I was devastated. My husband and I turned to each other for strength, and again, to a highly talented Health First team of doctors. We were prepared to face whatever treatment plan they recommended.

After following their recommendations for two months, the tumor shrunk 50 percent. Three months later, it was even smaller, and there was no new growth or active cancer cell activity in the following checkups. By September 2013, my oncologist said I could consider myself in remission. What a relief! 

Breast cancer is both a physical and emotional journey. All of my cancer care has been with Health First physicians. I'm very grateful for their wonderful medical expertise and the diagnostic facilities available right here in Brevard.

Today I am healthy, active and enjoying life with my children, family and friends.

 

Mary beats cancer — twice

Mary Kublin is a teacher, a wife and a mom of three. She is now in remission after beating breast cancer two times in 20 years.

Mary was religious about regular checkups and mammograms after beating breast cancer 20 years ago. When she was diagnosed with the disease again, she felt hopeless. 

After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, Mary said she accepted she would never be the same. She felt like she would be deformed for the rest of her life. She remembers thinking, “that was the price I had to pay to be alive.”

But then, in Mary’s words, came “divine intervention” – Health First Medical Group Dr. George Collis, a plastic surgeon, and his nurse, Janet, showed her how she was going to be OK.

The care Mary received not only gave her a new look, but a new outlook on life. She started thinking she could come out of this feeling and looking better than before. 

“They say that from the depths of despair can come true blessings," Mary said. "That is a cliché, but clichés are just that for a reason. They’re true.”

Mary says her diagnosis, struggles and recovery have made her life richer. 

“If I could go back and change what happened, I wouldn’t, because I’ve gained so much insight, more empathy,” Mary said. “I feel so much better than I did when this first happened, that I wouldn’t change a thing.”

 

Find support among people who understand

You are not alone. We partner with the Breast Friends support network so you can make friends, learn from other people and ask questions from people who have been there.

Learn more about Breast Friends