Breast Cancer Threatened Her Life — But It Didn’t Win

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Adina had built a full, happy life — a thriving real estate career, a loving husband, Fred, and two beautiful children. Her family was her world, especially after the challenges she and Fred faced with fertility and the early arrival of their daughter, Camille, who spent weeks in the NICU.

So when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, Adina’s world stopped. She knew she would have to summon every ounce of strength to fight for the family she had fought so hard to build.

Meeting the Doctor Who Gave Her Hope

The same day she was diagnosed, Adina received a personal call from Dr. Swapna Ghanta, a breast surgeon formerly with BASS Medical Group’s Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center. Adina was surprised — and deeply comforted — by how quickly Dr. Ghanta reached out. They met the very next day.

At first, Adina had doubts.

“She looked so young! I thought, she can’t be the surgeon — she hasn’t been in practice long enough,” Adina recalls.

But her hesitation quickly faded. Dr. Ghanta’s calm, confident presence and clear communication helped Adina feel seen, heard, and safe. Together, they reviewed her diagnosis and discussed her options — a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Adina chose a lumpectomy, preserving as much breast tissue and sensation as possible.

“When I first met Adina,” said Dr. Ghanta, “my goal was to reassure her that she’d receive the best treatment possible. We discussed how surgery could remove the tumor while minimizing collateral damage. Together, we chose breast conservation surgery.”

A Journey of Strength and Healing

On the morning of her surgery, Adina remembers a mix of fear and peace.

“The nurse got me settled in pre-op, and Dr. Ghanta came in to mark the surgical area and explain the procedure again. I kissed my mom and husband before being wheeled through the swinging doors.”

The surgery was a success. Adina woke up groggy but relieved — surrounded by her husband and mother. Within a few days, she was recovering at home, supported by her family and motivated by her children.

Her post-surgery follow-up appointments confirmed good healing and clear margins. In October 2019, Adina completed 28 rounds of radiation therapy, followed by hormone therapy (quarterly Zoladex injections and daily aromatase inhibitors). By the end of her treatment, her cancer was in remission.

Living Beyond Cancer

Today, Adina celebrates survivorship with gratitude and perspective. She acknowledges that recovery isn’t always easy — there are good days and bad — but she finds strength in her family and hope in every milestone.

“The circumstances were hard,” she says, “but I’m truly blessed to have had such caring and compassionate clinicians. I can only hope the cancer stays away.”

Her advice to others facing breast cancer:

“Surround yourself with positive people and cut out negativity. Don’t let anyone else dictate how you feel or handle your diagnosis. Ask questions, stay informed, and always find something to look forward to.”

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at BASS

At Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center, patients like Adina receive more than treatment — they receive personalized, multidisciplinary care from experts who put compassion first.

The center offers the most advanced technologies in California, including:

• Elekta VersaHD CT-Guided Linear Accelerator for precise radiation therapy
• VisionRT AlignRT® Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) for accurate, tattoo-free treatments
• MR-Guided Linear Accelerator (ViewRay MRIdian) for real-time imaging during radiation

By combining surgical expertise, advanced radiation, and systemic therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, the center delivers care tailored to every patient’s needs.

The BASS Approach: Compassion Meets Innovation

As part of BASS Medical Group, Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center connects patients to a network of top surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation specialists, and support teams. Every patient receives collaborative, evidence-based care — with a focus on hope, healing, and the human side of medicine.