I recently had the opportunity to meet Maria Heavel in the craziest of ways. I was selling some pink shoes on Facebook Marketplace and she notified me that she would like to purchase them. As we arranged for her to pick up the shoes, she explained that she planned to wear the shoes during her chemotherapy treatments. She explained her recent breast cancer diagnosis. I asked if she would like to share her personal story and she has graciously offered her time to share her perspective on dealing with a new diagnosis of breast cancer.
Mark: Thank you, Maria, for your willingness to share your story. Tell us about yourself:
Maria: First, I want to say that I am thankful for my support system and what I have done in life already. I have worked in childcare for as long as I can remember! I enjoy helping others and seeing kiddos smile when they accomplish something new! Every day is a new day with kiddos!
Throughout my life I have learned that I am far from perfect, however I have grown through my many life experiences. After marriage to my husband, Keith, we knew we wanted children, however I was told that I would likely have significant fertility issues due to a medical condition called Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Despite this, I am happy to report that I am the mother of 3 wonderful boys and one angel baby. My children have been such a blessing to us and we work every day to instill a love for others and values which have been passed along to us.
Mark: You mentioned that 2021 was a tough year, even before your cancer diagnosis?
Maria: 2021 was a challenge in general for all of our health: Our youngest son at age 4 had hernia surgery, our middle son who is age 8 had a dental abscess, and our oldest who is age 10 had an acid reflux issue. Then my husband was hospitalized for sepsis and also had 3 major surgeries, including urethra surgery (out of work 6 weeks)and sinus surgery. Meanwhile, I had carpal tunnel surgery, shoulder surgery, and IUD placement! Also, during this time we had other family health crises, my entire family was diagnosed with Covid, my parents had health issues, and, of course, other life “stuff” happens.
Mark: Wow, that sounds like a lot. When did you find out about your breast cancer?
Maria: A couple weeks after the IUD placement I had an ovarian cyst rupture, causing major pain. I went to our local hospital and a CT scan confirmed the ruptured ovarian cyst. Unfortunately the CT also showed a nodule in my left breast. Little did I know at that time that this finding likely saved my life.
Mark: What did your GYN think about the breast nodule?
Maria: The follow-up with my OBGYN went well. I healed from the ruptured cyst and talked to her about the lump in my breast. This wasn’t something I was aware of until the CT scan, and I started to feel for the lump and was making connections to some pain. This pain wasn’t unbearable so I just assumed it was normal. In December 2022 I was told that the nodule could be cancer and I needed a biopsy! I cried and had a hundred questions filled my head… but little did I know it was going to be a long period of other appointments until I got confirmation and what treatment was going to be needed. I got a breast biopsy the week after, and waited 5 days due to the weekend and a holiday. Waiting for that call was nerve-racking.
I finally received the phone call, but I didn’t believe what she was telling me. She stated that I had invasive ductile breast cancer, Grade 3. She continued to provide more information, but I don’t think much registered with me except for the “c word”–CANCER.
Mark: What were you thinking at that moment?
Maria: The questions were just running in my head. How did this happen? Is this my fault? How will they treat this?. What does this mean for my future? Will I die?
Mark: So, what happened next?
Maria: I started with an Oncologist appointment at SSM Health. Thankfully she took time to perform blood tests, perform images, biopsy my lymph nodes, and order genetic testing. She explained to me two different treatment plans and was very supportive and understanding! I had another visit with Siteman Cancer Center two weeks later. At that time I was given the same treatment options, but at that time they suggested more aggressive treatment due to new information about my prognosis. They told me that I am positive for the BRCA2 gene and that they recommend my children see a genetic specialist to be tested.
The doctors said I will need chemo, I will be sick, I will possibly lose my hair and I will have side effects which will be hard.
Mark: I’m happy to hear that you have a supportive oncologist who has been clear on your treatment plan. Hearing about chemotherapy and all of the side effects must have been very difficult. What’s next in your plan of care?
Maria: I will be planning for multiple ways to fight this disease:
-Every other week starting Feb 9, 2022 I will receive two very strong chemotherapy drug treatments
-This will be followed by Taxol for 12 weeks; thankfully not as strong
-Next will be given a shot to “shut down my ovaries”
-I will need surgery for double mastectomy and hysterectomy
-Radiation treatments
-Following these treatments I will need an Estrogen blocker for 5-10 years
The one thing I worry most is not being strong enough for my kids or not living long enough to see my grandchildren… I am scared, but I WILL BEAT THIS! I have a strong faith and the best support system that anyone can ask for! I know my family and friends will help keep me positive and my faith will keep me going.
Mark: Maria, I think I can speak for many people when I say that you are so brave to share your story and we are rooting you on! Is there anything else you would like to add?
Maria: Remember to be thankful for life experiences and the wonderful blessing we have. Remember one day at a time, one goal at a time, one treatment at a time, one greater power (God). Remember you are loved and you are strong! Your challenges and blessings shape who you are and build your strength!
Mark: Thank you Maria. We will continue to update everyone throughout your journey. We are rooting for you!
Check out Maria’s Journey to Beating Cancer Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284227863771117/
