Local Woman finds Strength and Support in Breast Cancer Treatment
ST. LOUIS,MO - A St.Louis woman is sharing her story of resilience and gratitude as she navigates breast cancer treatment at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, emphasizing the importance of proactive screening and a strong care team. Lee, a member of the hospital’s patient access team, received a diagnosis earlier this year and has as undergone a double mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Lee credits Dr. Asha Ricciuti with providing crucial hope and clarity. “She told me my cancer was treatable and curable,” Lee said. “Those words gave me strength to face what was ahead.” Dr. Ricciuti personally followed up with Lee after her first chemotherapy session, a gesture Lee deeply appreciated. “It meant so much to me that she took the time to do that,” Lee said. “It made me feel truly cared for,not just as a patient,but as a person.”
Facing surgery was notably daunting for Lee,who had previously experienced a life-threatening battle with pneumonia that led to a medically induced coma and multi-organ failure just a year prior. “I was absolutely terrified of going under anesthesia again,” Lee admitted. “I kept thinking about not waking up.”
Her breast surgeon, Dr. Kaitlin Farrell, alleviated those fears by personally calling to check on her and thoroughly explaining the procedure. “Dr. Farrell made me feel so at ease before surgery,” Lee said. “She answered every question, eased every fear, and reminded me I wasn’t going through this alone.”
Dr.Christine Plikaitis, Lee’s plastic surgeon, has supported her through the reconstruction process, allowing her to proceed at her own pace. “She’s never rushed me,” lee said. “She reminds me that this is my body and my decision. She wants me to be happy with the outcome, no matter how long it takes.”
Lee also noted the meaning of being cared for by an all-female team of physicians. ”Being surrounded by women who understand what this experience is like has been incredibly comforting,” she said. “They’ve made me feel seen,understood,and supported in ways I didn’t know I needed.”
Despite the challenges of treatment, Lee continues to work at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, assisting others with their healthcare journeys. she hopes her story will inspire others, particularly young people and childhood cancer survivors, to prioritize proactive screening and trust their care teams. “I share my story because I want others…to know that proactive screening and trusting your care team can save your life,” she said. “it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And you’re stronger than you think.”
More information about breast health and breast care at SSM Health is available at https://www.ssmhealth.com/services/womens-health/breast-health.
