Breast Cancer Patient Stories

  • Woman’s horse provides inspiration for her breast cancer journey Siteman Cancer Center patient Marsha Morlan was facing a double mastectomy for triple-negative breast cancer, she found an unlikely source of inspiration and strength in a beautiful palomino quarter horse who lives on her farm in Mount Vernon, Ill.
  • Accessing world-class cancer care close to home Trish O’Laughlin is a wife, mother of three and a nurse practitioner. She is also a breast cancer survivor. She says being able to access world-class cancer care close to home at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital helped her manage her busy life and still receive the best possible care.
  • Young Survivor Benefits from Multidisciplinary Care Close to Home Breast cancer survivor Felicia Black was only 39 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The diagnosis was especially difficult because her son was only 3 years old at the time.
  • Patient shares her cancer story from misdiagnosis to survivorship Erica Griffin was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer after initially being told by her physician that a lump in her breast was likely a cyst.
  • Siteman employee, wife share story Siteman Cancer Center business manager Kent Zimmerman and his wife, Stephanie, were expecting twins when they received devastating news: a lump found in Stephanie’s breast was cancerous. Thanks to a quick diagnosis and effective treatment, the twins and their mother are all healthy.
  • Patient discusses brachytherapy treatmentJudy Johnson gives an in-depth look at brachytherapy for breast cancer. Johnson chose the intense, short-term treatment after speaking with her physician about her options. She felt it was the best choice for her.