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Breast Cancer

At age 43, Carol Hess is just about as busy as a mom can be. The mother of 2 toddlers, Carol enjoys running, photography and gardening. While holding down a full-time position working for the Department of Defense. "For 26 years I have worked for the Navy as an Engineer Technician. Our department is responsible for the launch and recovery systems for aircraft used on an aircraft carrier," explained Carol.

In the fall of 2006, Carol was performing her monthly breast self-exam when she discovered a suspicious mass in her left breast. "I called my doctor and had a mammogram. With my husband by my side, I received the news that I had stage II invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ. I really didn't let it get me down," said Carol.

"I chose Fox Chase because they 'deal with cancer all day everyday,' however, the support that accompanied the treatments was more than I expected."

Carol utilized the Internet to research the best hospitals for breast cancer treatment. She explained, "With a 1 and 3 year old, I didn't want to delay. I knew I would be in the best hands at Fox Chase because cancer is their sole focus. Initially, I chose Fox Chase because they 'deal with cancer all day everyday,' however, the support that accompanied the treatments was more than I expected."

Carol immediately took action, made a plan, and set up a support team. She explained, "I knew this was going to slow me down but it wasn't going to get me down. I knew with the help of Fox Chase, my family and my friends, I wasn't going to let this diagnosis adversely affect my children."

"After my initial meeting with Dr. Topham, I knew I would be okay."

Carol's first step was to undergo a radical mastectomy, performed by Dr. Elin Sigurdson, oncologic surgeon at Fox Chase. Her next step was to meet Dr. Neal Topham, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Fox Chase, who performed Carol's breast reconstruction surgery. "After my initial meeting with Dr. Topham, I knew I would be okay," said Carol. Dr. Topham's technique included a free TRAM flap using Carol's abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast.

"The nurses at Fox Chase were wonderful during my hospital stay following surgery. They were attentive and paid close attention to details, which you appreciate as a patient."

"Dr. Ramona Swaby, my medical oncologist, was supportive and optimistic. I sensed she sincerely cared about her patients."

Following surgery, Carol's next step was chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from recurring. "Dr. Ramona Swaby, my medical oncologist, was supportive and optimistic. I sensed she sincerely cared about her patients. She is driven, for the success of all of her patients," explained Carol.

"It wasn't always easy, but during this time I still took care of my two young children and continued to work," recalled Carol. "I live in Pine Beach, New Jersey and travel 1-1/2 hours each way to get to Fox Chase for treatment. My spirit and overall good nature never faltered, I always remained positive."

Within Carol's first year of treatment, she participated and completed a half marathon (13.1 miles) and took second place in a 5K running race. Carol explained, "Whatever the challenges were, whether it was the side effects from chemotherapy, or an upcoming medical exam, I faced them with courage."

"With the support and encouragement I received from the doctors, nurses, staff, family, friends, and fellow patients, I remain positive and energetic."

She continued, "With the support and encouragement I received from the doctors, nurses, staff, family, friends, and fellow patients, I remain positive and energetic. I never let negative feelings take control nor did I stop living my life."

"As a cancer survivor, I am working as part of a support team to inspire others to win the battle."

Today, after a year of treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Carol is cancer-free. She said, "As a cancer survivor, I am working as part of a support team to inspire others to win the battle." No doubt Carol's determination and spirit will allow her accomplish this goal.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.