A breast cancer diagnosis can bring fear, uncertainty and months of difficult treatment. It can also reveal the strength of a community through the people who offer care, encouragement and a steady hand along the way.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Gazette is proud to feature local women who have chosen to share their experiences in their own words. Their stories speak to the challenges of the disease, the support that helped them through it and the ways life can change afterward.

Tell us a little about yourself and your life outside of your experience with breast cancer.

I am a mother of five children and a grandmother. I retired from UPMC after 30 years of working in the cardiology department. I love reading, watching the Buffalo Bills and spending time with family.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and what do you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis and treatment?

I was first diagnosed in February of 2016. I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. It made me very tired. I had found the lump myself and it never showed up on mammograms. Then, ten years later, in May of 2026, my mammogram showed a small area that could be cancerous. When the results of the biopsy taken came back positive, I decided to have a full mastectomy. Luckily, that removed the cancer, which was only stage one, and I do not need radiation or chemotherapy at this time.

What helped you most during treatment and recovery, whether it was family, friends, medical providers, community resources or something else?

The biggest help for me during my recovery and treatments was my family, my friends and Dr. Chang.

What is something about experiencing breast cancer that you wish more people understood?

Cancer is a very scary word, but you can beat it.

How has your experience shaped the way you look at life today?

I don’t take a single moment for granted.

What would you want someone who has recently been diagnosed, or someone who has been putting off a recommended screening, to know?

You can save your own life. It’s scary, but it’s not the end of the world.

What brings you joy today, and is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your story?

My life brings me joy. I want others to know in 2020, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and went through surgery and chemotherapy. I have been the patient and the caregiver and the biggest takeaway I know is that early detection saves lives.

Tell us a little about yourself and your life outside of your experience with breast cancer.

I am a nurse, a mom of three adult children and a runner. I enjoy running anywhere my feet will take me. I recently completed the Sydney Marathon in Australia. I had completed the Berlin Marathon last fall. When I returned, I had to turn my focus to taking care of me.

When my mom was 50, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember going with her to the surgeon that gave her two options. She could have a modified radical mastectomy or a lumpectomy, but she may need radiation and/or chemotherapy. She was adamant she didn’t want the latter, so she had the mastectomy. As a nurse, I was there to help my mom during her recovery. I remember her feeling like she was less of a woman since she only had one breast now. She did get a prosthesis, but it just was not the same.

Because of this family history, my medical providers started the annual mammograms when I turned 40. As I have gotten old and my breasts are what they call “dense,” they started doing ultrasounds as well. Then it went to every other year having a CT scan of the breasts. I underwent a couple of biopsies that were negative. I was being monitored so close that when I was diagnosed with breast cancer it was found very early.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and what do you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis and treatment?

I was diagnosed in the fall of 2025 and had a lumpectomy in November. I guess a part of me has always been waiting for the “other shoe to drop.” I knew it was coming; it was just a matter of time. I was quickly set up with a wonderful surgeon who explained everything to me. I was referred to a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. All of which were empathetic and supportive. I wasn’t worried, I was ready for my next steps. Thankfully, I did not require radiation or chemotherapy.

What helped you most during treatment and recovery, whether it was family, friends, medical providers, community resources or something else?

My family was with me for all my follow up appointments after my lumpectomy. Unfortunately, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer two days before my diagnosis. So as a family, we rallied together and were ready to fight and take on this awful diagnosis together. Our friends, neighbors, co-workers and church family were also a huge support to us.

What is something about experiencing breast cancer that you wish more people understood?

Breast cancer screening is easy. Breast cancer can be detected early and treatment can be simple. Getting those annual mammograms are key. Do your monthly breast exams and when in doubt get it checked out. You are worth it.

How has your experience shaped the way you look at life today?

We are not promised tomorrow. I will live each day to the fullest.

What would you want someone who has recently been diagnosed, or someone who has been putting off a recommended screening, to know?

What are you waiting for? Get screened. Catch it early. If you have been recently diagnosed, know that we do have wonderful medical practitioners right in our little community that will take great care of you.

What brings you joy today, and is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your story?

I continue to get screened every six months right now, but I am still lacing up my running shoes and getting miles under my feet. I look forward to getting out and running many of our local races, but my eyes are currently focused on the London Marathon in 2027.

Tell us a little about yourself and your life outside of your experience with breast cancer.

I am the proud mom of two boys, Parker and Finn. We live in Bemus Point in an old farmhouse with our dog, Millie, and our chickens, Fiona, Olivia and Chick. I serve as Director of the Schools of Performing and Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution and have the opportunity to work with pre-professional students from around the globe alongside my incredible colleagues.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and what do you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis and treatment?

I believe in signs. I was two years late in getting my routine mammo, due to COVID and then also the fact that there was little history in our family and my past mammos were clear. I was 44; I was healthy.

I went in for the mammo in mid January of 2023, right before I was to get squeezed the power suddenly went out. Thank God I wasn’t in the machine at that point!! The nurse said this was the first time that this had ever happened, and she had been there 15 years. Interesting....

I went in for a follow-up ultrasound and then again for a biopsy. They ended up taking 15 samples that day, and I knew in my gut that something was up. Still, I held on to hope.

I got the call that nobody wants on January 27th around 10:30 am while at work. “Sarah, your results came back and you have breast cancer.” I listened to the rest of the call but didn’t truly absorb it. I had ductal invasive cancer and needed to come in and meet with the pathologist. I’m pretty sure I cried for the rest of that day as I told colleagues and family.

My sister Megan went with me to that first pathology meeting and became my “ears” when I couldn’t hear through the anxiety. She was my rock the entire time.

I chose Windsong as the place where I would go to discuss surgery. The MRI I had before any decisions were made showed a larger mass than we had thought, and it was determined that I needed a mastectomy. I elected to have a double mastectomy so I didn’t have to go through this ever again. The surgery was April 14, it took almost 6 hours for the mastectomy and then reconstruction. When I finally woke up, my three sisters and mom were standing there by my bed. They asked what sounded good to eat, I was ravenous as I hadn’t eaten in 24 hours, so I immediately said “Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese” which they had in the lobby of the hospital as well as a microwave. Dreams do come true!

What helped you most during treatment and recovery, whether it was family, friends, medical providers, community resources or something else?

The biggest help for me during my recovery and treatments was my family, my friends and Dr. Levine.

What is something about experiencing breast cancer that you wish more people understood?

The side effects are brutal, I’ve been put into forced menopause and with that comes early-onset arthritis in my hands and feet, lots of insomnia and weakness and also a limit to what I can eat and digest.

How has your experience shaped the way you look at life today?

Do I think about cancer coming back, of course I do. But I don’t let that define my life. I now live each day with a renewed purpose and truly know what it means to “live in the present.” Life is not a given, and nobody knows how long they have. I was one of the lucky ones, I beat cancer with a village behind me. I get to live to see another day, another year. There are many people, so many that I know personally, who were not given this chance.

Be kind to one another. Take stock of what is truly important in this life. For me, it is to live and love fiercely and not take a single second for granted.

What brings you joy today, and is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your story?

There are a lot of bad things about having cancer, but there are also some silver linings.

• Family

• My priorities have become crystal clear.

• My hair has grown back way thicker than it was before.

• I found out how strong I truly was.

Tell us a little about yourself and your life outside of your experience with breast cancer.

I will forever be grateful for my husband, my sons, my sister, friends, and our parents for their support.

I spend more time in nature now, something that grounds me and brings me joy.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and what do you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis and treatment?

In 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer, an invasive form of breast cancer in which the cancer cells lack estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 proteins. Suddenly, my life became appointments, tests, scans, treatments, medications, and decisions I never imagined I would have to make.

Following chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery in Buffalo, I received radiation treatments in Jamestown. My treatment was aggressive and lasted nine months.

What helped you most during treatment and recovery, whether it was family, friends, medical providers, community resources or something else?

My husband went from being my husband to becoming my caregiver. He was there through the difficult days, the appointments, the exhaustion, the uncertainty, and everything in between.

One morning, I woke up to find pink ribbons lining the street for two blocks, hung by wonderful neighbors and friends. People checked on me, helped my family, brought meals, offered encouragement, prayed for me, listened to me, and simply showed up.

Their support helped get me through cancer.

What is something about experiencing breast cancer that you wish more people understood?

You don’t necessarily get your old body back.

Treatment can change you physically and emotionally. Some changes are visible. Others aren’t. You can experience lasting side effects. Your energy can be different. Your body can feel different.

In my case, breast cancer treatment caused permanent damage to my pancreas, resulting in a life-changing diagnosis that came as a consequence of the treatment that was helping save my life.

How has your experience shaped the way you look at life today?

Cancer changed me. It changed my body. It changed my health. It changed my family. It changed the way I look at time and the things that matter.

Sometimes, it’s about learning to embrace the life you have now — and being grateful for every day you get to live it.

What would you want someone who has recently been diagnosed, or someone who has been putting off a recommended screening, to know?

If you’ve been putting off a mammogram, schedule the appointment. Put yourself first. Your life is worth it!

What brings you joy today, and is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your story?

I cherish the beauty in life and the people who surround me. I am here. I am thankful to be alive.

Tell us a little about yourself and your life outside of your experience with breast cancer.

My name is Marissa Troxell. I live in Jamestown in the beautiful spring, summer and the fall. In the winter months, my husband David and I escape to Thailand where we have a small home. Previously, we lived in Japan for 18 years teaching in Japanese universities. I love to travel with my husband, David, who is a Rotarian in the Jamestown Rotary Club. We have traveled extensively working on international Rotary projects in places like Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Tanzania and Nepal.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and what do you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis and treatment?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2013.

My treatment program involved surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I was lucky and went through chemotherapy pretty easily.

Later, I had 33 radiation treatments so I thought of myself as radiantly beautiful.

What helped you most during treatment and recovery, whether it was family, friends, medical providers, community resources or something else?

What helped me the most, above all was my husband, David. He was with me for every doctor visit, every chemo and every radiation treatment. He shaved my head and told me how great I looked. And, he helped me believe in myself.

I wouldn’t want to just single out David without acknowledging all of the medical community, my friends and even total strangers that would see my little bald head and give me a nod and a smile, or come over and talk to me.

What is something about experiencing breast cancer that you wish more people understood?

I think it’s really important for people to realize that breast cancer today is not what breast cancer treatment was 30 or 40 years ago.

How has your experience shaped the way you look at life today?

Getting a diagnosis like this will change you. It’s hard, it’s scary but it’s also an opportunity to grow, to learn and appreciate not only the people you know in your life, but also what we have here in Chautauqua County, the medical facilities we have, the screening programs we have and all the amazing people who staff them.

What would you want someone who has recently been diagnosed, or someone who has been putting off a recommended screening, to know?

I went for a routine mammogram and within 2 hours I was having a biopsy that turned out to be positive.

I am completely comfortable talking about my cancer experience, especially if it can be a help to someone.

What brings you joy today, and is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your story?

The most important thing I learned going forward from this experience is how people are connected to people. People are good and if you can open up to them, especially when you’re going through a difficult time, people will be there to support you.

For many people, scheduling a mammogram can feel easy to put off — especially when life is busy or the appointment feels uncomfortable to think about. But taking this simple step is an act of care for yourself and for the people who love you. Mammograms give you and your health care team important information, and they can offer peace of mind when results are normal or help guide timely care when follow-up is needed.

Why do mammograms matter? A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer, often before a lump can be felt or symptoms appear. While no screening test can prevent cancer, regular mammograms can help find breast cancer earlier, when treatment is often more effective and options may be less intensive.

Early detection can save lives. Breast cancer can sometimes grow silently. Mammograms are valuable because they can detect changes in breast tissue before a person notices anything unusual. According to public health guidance, regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer and can help doctors begin treatment at an earlier stage.

One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. It is important to note that when breast cancer is diagnosed at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is greater than 99%. It is also important to recognize that approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Getting a mammogram is quick and simple. Most appointments take about 20 minutes from start to finish. If you are at average risk for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that you have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. If you are at higher risk, you may need to begin screenings earlier or have screenings more often. Talk with your doctor to create a screening plan that is right for you based on your personal risk factors.

If you are due for a mammogram or are unsure when to start screening, schedule a conversation with your health care provider. Ask about your personal risk, the best screening schedule for you, and whether additional imaging is recommended. By staying informed and keeping up with the screening that is right for you, you are taking a caring, proactive step toward protecting your breast health.

At UPMC Chautauqua, we use Genius 3D Mammography, which detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40%. This technology lets doctors view breast tissue layer by layer, making fine details easier to see and less likely to be hidden by surrounding tissue.

Making an appointment is a simple and important step you can take for your health. Ask your physician for an order, then call to schedule the screening that is right for you. At UPMC Chautauqua, we offer screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, and breast MRI services.

Taking time for a mammogram is a small step that can make a meaningful difference. If you have been putting it off, consider this your gentle reminder: your health is worth the appointment, and you do not have to wait until something feels wrong to check in.

Take a moment to schedule your mammogram — this simple call can be an important step in caring for yourself. To make an appointment, please call 716-664-8448.

Sources: American Cancer Society, “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer”; CDC, “U.S. Cancer Statistics Female Breast Cancer Stat Bite”; National Breast Cancer Foundation, “Breast Cancer Facts & Stats.”