Stacey Wheeler

Two-time cancer survivor | Diagnosed for the first time in July 2003, second time July 2007

Posted: Wednesday, October 29, 2008


Tricia Spaulding/Staff
Tricia Spaulding/Staff


I had no apparent signs. I thought I had pneumonia. I went in for a chest CT, and that's how they found it on my liver. It was a miracle of God, because there's no reason that something like this would show up in blood work. Mine was caught in the very early stages, but with a metastatic cancer, I automatically went to Stage Four. I was Stage Two with breast cancer.

Printing my story is scary to a lot of people, but it does need to be said. I was pretty naive; I didn't know where breast cancer reoccurred. I was almost at the five-year mark - after five years, you're considered cured or in remission. I think it was a surprise to everyone. I don't want people to panic. It doesn't normally happen. I was in that five percent group. It's not normal, but it does happen.

What was your first reaction when you heard the diagnosis?

The first time, we were in shock. We lived out of town and we had no family nearby. I'm only 31, and we have a 6-month-old. We kept thinking, "This is a mistake." Within three days, we knew it was breast cancer. When I found the lump - a lot of people would have blown it off until next year. If I hadn't, I don't know what would have happened.

Last year, it was a shock, too. I felt so healthy. I had a liver biopsy, and we kind of knew just from their reaction. The next time we were more prepared because we'd been through it before. For me, I had a 5-year-old to look after, so it was harder. It was a shock; it was much harder the second time around, looking at your family.

What treatments did you receive?

The first time, I had chemo and radiation, and I had a lumpectomy. I tolerated chemo extremely well. Radiation was harder. Plus, having a baby throws a loop in.

This time around, I did only chemo. I had 19 rounds. We did a cat-scan in January and found out it was clear. Then, I did a full hysterectomy because the cancer was estrogen-driven. Now, I'm just on a pill. Some people think it's chemo, but it's just a pill.

How did they affect you physically and emotionally?

Through my treatments last year, I pretty much worked full time. I'm tough. We own the New Balance store, so I was fortunate to be able to stay at home in December and regroup.

The first time, I had good energy. I was tired, but overall I tolerated the drugs pretty well. I was a fortunate one.

Who was most influential to you throughout your struggle?

My husband. He just stepped in and took over. We have always worked side by side as far as opening businesses together. He can take care of my child as easy as me - we've always just switched. He literally took over everything. He would just keep my attitude and mindset positive. He believes in the power of mind and prayer. He would remind me that we have a lot to be thankful for. And through both friends and neighbors in Lane Creek, we never cooked dinner. Baby-sitting, whatever - it was taken care of.

What was the most important thing you learned from your experience?

I think just keeping your sense of humor and having a positive outlook and not falling into that deep, dark hole. Keep your life as normal as possible. Try to do what you normally do and that's the best medicine. We have a pretty active life; I've worked my whole life. When I stayed at home, it was the worst time because I didn't feel normal. It's important to keep things normal.

If you could tell a woman who's been diagnosed with breast cancer anything, what would it be?

Stay off the Internet. I really do tell people that. Statistically, looking at my situation, it's horrible. Listen to your doctors. The Internet's a powerful tool, but there's stuff out there that doesn't apply to everybody. My husband would say, "You've been on the Internet again, haven't you?" because I was depressed or upset. Not everything you read is true. As far as my age, I don't fit in any demographic studies. Everything's not the same for everyone.


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