A cancer diagnosis and treatment regimen can result in plenty of give and take between patients, family and friends, and a medical team. Strengthened by her faith, Jana King chose to focus on the giving.
In 2014, one year away from retirement, Jana went to the doctor for a mammogram. It had been a few years since her last mammogram, but she was checking off the boxes to make sure she was maintaining good health in time for her retirement. In the past, Jana didn’t have much concern about small lumps she’d found in her breasts – the result of fibroid cysts.
However, when Jana’s mammogram came back cloudy, her doctor recommended a sonogram. After a biopsy, Jana received a phone call from her doctor while on the way to work confirming the diagnosis: breast cancer.
Jana’s surgery to remove the lump was scheduled quickly, and she would also require radiation therapy. For treatment, Jana was introduced to Texas Oncology, where she says she’s received outstanding care.
Jana had an early stage form of estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) invasive breast cancer in a post-menopausal state. This meant that the cancer cells grew in response to the estrogen hormone. Under the care of Dr. Dina Tebcherany of Texas Oncology—South Austin, Jana received radiation therapy five days a week for six weeks after her surgery, and finished treatment in February 2015. She then engaged in endocrine therapy, which she is currently continuing. This type of therapy stops estrogen from helping cancer cells grow.
“Jana remains in remission now, four years out from her diagnosis,” says Dr. Tebcherany. “She continues to be active, despite side effects from therapy.”
Throughout this experience, Jana says Dr. Tebcherany has been a patient, welcoming, and thorough oncologist.
“I have recommended Dr. Tebcherany to several of my friends who have had breast cancer,” says Jana. “She is so good at taking the time to listen, explain and just be a friend. She’s wonderful.”
With faith as her foundation, Jana says she was able to face her emotions, and that it strengthened her to help other women facing cancer.
“My faith has been huge in my recovery,” Jana explains. “Not only did it help me through my journey, but it also gave me the strength to then take my experience and help other women who are also fighting cancer.”
Jana said she has new perspective to encourage other women to take preventive steps. Now as a retired high school administrator, Jana tells many of the teachers she worked with, and other women as well, to get mammograms regularly.
“For many women, getting a mammogram is not in their regular routine,” said Jana. “Often, you think ‘Oh, I’ll get a mammogram this year if I get around to it.’ But I have told my daughters, all of my friends, and former colleagues what I’ve discovered. Mammograms are useful. They’re important, and they can save lives.”