The Postpartum Mother Who Became a Breast Cancer Survivor

A New Baby, a Bright Future — and a Life-Changing Diagnosis

At 35, Heather was living her best life. She had just welcomed her second daughter, her husband had recently retired from the U.S. Navy and was starting his dream business program, and their oldest child was about to begin kindergarten. Heather’s career as a registered nurse was thriving.

Everything seemed perfect — until one unexpected discovery changed everything.

What started as a small lump near her armpit quickly became a moment that stopped her world. Soon, Heather would learn that she had breast cancer, and her life would take a turn she never imagined.

Finding Care and Courage

Within days of her diagnosis, Heather met with Dr. Swapna Ghanta, a breast surgeon formerly with BASS Medical Group’s Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center. Dr. Ghanta explained every step of the process, from testing to surgery, helping Heather face the unknown with clarity and compassion.

“She was kind, knowledgeable, and honest,” Heather recalls. “We hoped the lump was just a swollen lymph node — but we also knew that usually isn’t a good sign.”

Comprehensive scans and tests were ordered to check if the cancer had spread. The waiting was agonizing. Heather remembers the fear of what might come — would she survive? Would her daughters grow up without a mother? But despite the fear, she resolved to fight.

A Brave Choice and a Successful Surgery

On April 2, 2020, Dr. Ghanta performed a bilateral mastectomy and removed several lymph nodes. Heather made the brave decision not to have reconstruction right away — her focus was on recovery and being present for her family.

“I had a new baby at home and a kindergartener starting school. I just wanted to heal and get back to them,” Heather says.

Dr. Ghanta reassured her that reconstruction could always be an option later if she wished.

The surgery went better than anyone hoped — Heather’s lymph nodes were clear, and she was staged 1A. She completed chemotherapy just before her oldest daughter started kindergarten and her baby celebrated her first birthday. Her genetic testing was negative, and her cancer was in remission.

Healing the Body — and the Mind

A year later, Heather found the strength to share her story. She now speaks openly about survivorship, self-advocacy, and the importance of listening to your body.

“Ladies, please check your breasts every month. Push for answers when something feels off. It took me a year to get the mammogram I needed — and it could have ended very differently if I’d waited longer.”

Heather says the emotional recovery can take even longer than the physical one.

“Be patient with yourself. Give yourself grace. You’ll look back and realize you’re far stronger than you ever knew.”

Today, Heather is cancer-free, enjoying life with her husband and daughters — grateful for every moment.

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center

At Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center, part of BASS Medical Group, patients like Heather receive advanced, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. The center offers:

• Surgery (including lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstruction)
• Radiation Therapy with Elekta VersaHD and ViewRay MRIdian systems
• Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) using VisionRT AlignRT®, enabling tattoo-free precision treatment
• Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Hormone Therapy tailored to each patient

These technologies allow physicians to deliver the most precise and personalized breast cancer care in Northern California — without compromising comfort, safety, or compassion.

The BASS Approach to Cancer Care

As part of BASS Medical Group’s integrated network, Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center connects patients with a multidisciplinary team of top surgeons, oncologists, and support specialists. Each care plan is guided by collaboration, technology, and heart — ensuring every patient receives expert treatment and unwavering support on their journey to healing.