From breast cancer patient to patient advocate.

ROCKLEDGE — When Lisa Shuminsky was diagnosed with breast cancer, she couldn’t even bring herself to say the words.

A routine mammogram around age 50 revealed Shuminsky had Stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) – something she’d feared because of her family history. Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and months of uncertainty awaited her.

Frankly, it was overwhelming.

But her oncologist offered a piece of advice that snapped her out her tears – and gave her a new perspective that allowed her to move forward.

“This year is going to suck,” Shuminsky said of her former oncologist’s advice. “But next year, it’ll be a memory.”

That message sticks with her today – and it’s advice she shares with others facing a similar journey. She’s living proof that there is life – a great one – after cancer.

Now 58, Shuminsky is a medical assistant at the Health First Breast Center in Melbourne. It’s a role she transitioned to after her own cancer journey, given she wanted to learn more about the disease. For her, it was important to help others get through their own cancer journeys.

‘It was still shocking’

Shuminsky was working as a Health Unit Coordinator in Labor and Delivery at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center when she fell a bit behind on her regular mammograms.

“I kept thinking, ‘I just need to cancel it,’ because I was busy,” Shuminsky recalled.

But she went. Shortly after, she received her diagnosis. Shuminsky opted for chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.

“I think because of my family’s history, I always anticipated that I would hear it one day,” she said. “But it was still shocking.”

Shuminsky felt plenty of anxiety before her treatment plans were finalized.

According to the American Cancer Society, TNBC is an aggressive form of breast cancer that tends to grow and spread more quickly, with fewer treatment options. TNBC accounts for 10% to 15% of all breast cancers, which are more likely to spread and come back post-treatment.

Right away, Shuminsky’s mind shot to how young she was, as well as her life with her kids and grandkids.

Initially, she said she often became emotional about her diagnosis. But once her oncologist shared the “next year, it will be a memory” sentiment, something shifted in her.

“I stopped crying, and I said, ‘Okay, what do we need to do?’ ” Shuminsky said. “ ‘What is the plan?’ ”

During treatment, Shuminsky leaned on family and friends – and learned it was okay to let others help.

“Put your pride aside,” she said as advice to others going through treatment. “It’s okay to accept help.”

While it’s fine to be mad and sad at times, it’s also important to try to smile and laugh during difficult days, she added.

“I try to keep a good sense of humor,” Shuminsky said. “I tried not to go down dark holes.”

Providing hope during healing

After being declared cancer-free, Shuminsky wanted a slight shift in her career. Though she expected to retire in her role, something stirred in her after surviving cancer.

“I wanted to learn something new,” she shared. “The opportunity (at the Breast Center) came up, and Dr. (Sharon) Noori was my doctor. It was just something I wanted to do, and I thought I could work with these new cancer patients who were as anxious as I was.”

Shuminsky doesn’t share her story with every single patient. But the ones who are crying, overwhelmed or frightened tug at her heartstrings.

“I can tell them I was sitting in that chair,” too, she said, a bit emotional about it.

Those conversations reinforce that joining the Breast Center staff was the right decision.

“I’ve had a patient say, ‘But you look so normal,’ ” she said. “ ‘You look so healthy.’ ”Shuminsky’s response?

“ ‘Because I am,’ ” she said. “ ‘It’s a journey, but you’ll get to the other side.’ I like that I can have that connection.”

Shuminsky encourages patients to join Health First’s Breast Cancer Support Group meetings, held at the Breast Center, 1223 Gateway, Melbourne, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Patients gather to share experiences, ask questions and learn from guest speakers. No RSVP is required.

“They come,” Shuminsky said of patients she refers. “And they’re grateful they did, because they realize there’s other people. They’re not the only one.”

Breast surgeon Dr. Noori is grateful, too – for the woman who is lovingly known among staff as “our champion of rainbows and butterflies.”

“Lisa brings an optimism and passion for the patient experience that remains strong today,” Dr. Noori shared. “She often shares her own cancer journey with newly diagnosed patients, offering hope that the challenges of treatment can be overcome.”

Dr. Noori commended Shuminsky’s work ethic and drive to help others.

“Lisa is a deeply valued member of our work family,” she added.

‘A special bond’

Today, as a seven-year survivor, Shuminsky sees her oncologist as a precaution every six months. She speaks at survivor events, remains active in the breast cancer community and continues helping others every day. She describes it as “a special bond that is like no other.” When Making Strides of Brevard, presented by the Health First Cancer Institute, kicks off at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Avenue-Viera, Shuminsky will be walking with other survivors, patients and loved ones. Shuminsky shared that breast cancer has changed things in a positive way, too.

“You have a different view on life,” she said. “Family is everything.”

For women putting off this recommended annual screening test, Shuminsky hopes her story underscores just how important that one appointment can be.

“Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life-changer,” Shuminsky said. “Your life is ever so different from the day you are diagnosed and for the rest of your life. I thought if I could tell everyone, know your body, do your self-exams, and if you feel something different, see something different, please have it checked out. It may be absolutely nothing, but it may be something you catch early enough to save your life.”

Learn more about breast health services and support at hf.org/breast-health or call 321.434.3131. For more on Making Strides of Brevard, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/BrevardFL.