When Connie Wan learned she had breast cancer, she was devastated. But the team at University Health provided her the medical and emotional support to fight and come out stronger than ever. She had chemo once a week for three months and is now in remission.
Now, Connie will get to see her children get married and will get to meet her grandchildren. “I feel I have conquered and stomped out my cancer,” Connie said.
“It Takes a Village”
Connie is a registered nurse and patient care coordinator in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at University Hospital. Her team and family supported her throughout her cancer treatment.
“The men in the Advanced Diagnostic Center PACU shaved their heads, PACU made a beautiful plaque with all their signatures that says ‘Connie’s Cheerleaders,’ they made t-shirts with my name, everyone prayed for me, brought me items that would help me through chemo and my surgeries,” Connie said. “I was extremely touched and honored to have these people in my life. It takes a village to support a cancer patient.”
Caregivers need support, too. Caregivers should make time to eat well, exercise, relax and seek out extra support.
Living In Spite of Cancer
Cancer treatment didn’t slow Connie down. “It’s funny because I think I accomplished the most things in my career during my treatment and surgeries,” she said.
Connie’s poster presentation was chosen for the National Perianesthesia Conference in Florida last year. She also spoke on malignant hyperthermia at the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Perianesthesia Nurses Conference.
Breast Buddies Support Group
Connie’s breast cancer story inspired her to build a community of hope for others fighting breast cancer and their families.
“I learned that people need people. This is a terrible diagnosis to go through alone,” Connie said. “Talking to other survivors like my mom, my staff members and my friends helped me get through my cancer journey.”
Connie started Breast Buddies, a breast cancer support group for team members at University Health and UT Health San Antonio. Every month, Breast Buddies invites guest speakers to answer questions and share their insights with the group. University Health team members can learn more about Breast Buddies on the employee intranet.
“Breast Buddies is my way of giving back to the staff of University Health and UT Health for everything they did for me,” Connie said. “Our group consists of wonderful women and men who understand what you are going through.”
University Health offers a breast cancer support group for patients, as well.
Mammograms at University Health
University Health is a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence – one of only four in Texas. We provide mammograms and care for benign and malignant breast conditions, including breast cancer. Call 210-358-2725 to schedule an appointment for your mammogram or learn more online.
