Survivor Stories
Donna is many things: a beloved preschool teacher of 24 years, a mother to four wonderful daughters, a grandmother to three energetic grandchildren, and the wife of music-loving Chris. She is also a woman living with Stage IV breast cancer who continues to inspire those around her with her determination, optimism, and commitment to making a difference.
Diagnosed in January 2018, Donna has navigated years of treatment, evolving therapies, and the uncertainties of metastatic cancer. Through it all, she has remained dedicated to her students, connected to her family, and focused on the life she wants to live. Her story illustrates how advances in cancer treatment, personalized medical care, and a strong support system can help patients continue pursuing what matters most to them.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In 2017, Donna discovered a pea-sized lump in her armpit. Initially, she thought it might be a swollen lymph node following a cold and did not immediately seek further evaluation. Six months later, during a visit with her primary care physician in January 2018, a biopsy was ordered. The results confirmed breast cancer.
Further diagnostic testing, including comprehensive imaging, confirmed presence of stage IV metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her lungs and lymph nodes.
Incidentally an unrelated second tumor in the brain was discovered, which was subsequently biopsy-proven Oligodendroglioma, which is a tumor that primarily takes its origin in the central nervous system and is unrelated to breast cancer. This came as a complete surprise to Donna and also the medical team taking care of her.
For Donna, the diagnosis brought significant challenges, but it did not change her determination to keep moving forward.
"I did not ask God why He gave me cancer. I just knew that I would not give up," Donna recalls.
She was referred to Cancer Care Northwest (CCNW), where she met with medical oncologist Dr. Srivalli Gopaluni to discuss her diagnosis and treatment options. Through coordinated, multidisciplinary care involving neurosurgery to manage her brain tumor, radiation oncology and medical oncology, Donna gained confidence in her treatment plan and the team guiding her care.
Personalized Treatment, Guided by Science
Metastatic breast cancer presents unique challenges because the disease can behave differently from one patient to another. Treatment decisions depend on several factors, including the cancer's characteristics, where it has spread, previous treatments, and how the disease responds over time.
Pathology, biomarker, and molecular testing were performed to better characterize Donna’s tumor and help guide treatment decisions. These analyses can help characterize a tumor's genetic alterations and identify potential treatment targets, supporting a more personalized approach to cancer care. After careful consideration of evidence-based guidelines, and exploring possible clinical trials, Donna’s initial treatment included three months of intensive intravenous (IV) chemotherapy to help control the disease, along with regular monitoring of the cancer affecting her brain and lungs.
"Oncology treatment has significantly advanced over the years. Today, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer treatment. Personalized cancer care and establishing a strategy that is tailored to a patient's tumor biology is a very crucial part of treatment planning. Our goal as oncologists is to meet every patient where they are at, educate them, prioritize their personal goals, and navigate the journey together in controlling the cancer. The overall goal is to deliver science-driven, evidence-based advanced treatments to improve quality and quantity of life for our patients," says Dr. Gopaluni.
Donna's care also included hereditary cancer genetic testing through CCNW. The results did not identify a hereditary cancer predisposition, providing reassurance to Donna and her daughters about the possibility of an inherited risk identified through that testing.
Dr. Gopaluni took time to discuss Donna's diagnosis and treatment with her concerned daughters, answering their questions and helping them understand the road ahead. For Donna and her family, that communication was an important part of the care experience. Cancer treatment extends beyond medications and procedures. Clear communication, emotional support, and opportunities for patients and families to ask questions can help them navigate the uncertainty that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
Adapting to Change, One Treatment at a Time
Following her initial IV chemotherapy, Donna transitioned to an oral chemotherapy regimen for the next 6 years, allowing her to take treatment at home rather than routinely receiving infusions in the clinic.
During this period, her brain metastasis remained stable on imaging, a particularly encouraging development in her ongoing care.
When bone cancer developed in her clavicle, CCNW radiation oncologist Dr. O. Kenneth Macdonald incorporated a short course of radiation therapy into her treatment plan. Radiation therapy can be used to target specific areas of cancer, helping address individual sites of disease as part of a broader treatment strategy.
Throughout Donna's journey, Dr. Gopaluni has continued to monitor her cancer and adjust medications as needed. Metastatic cancer can change over time, and some tumors eventually develop resistance to therapies that previously controlled the disease. Ongoing assessment allows the medical team to evaluate treatment effectiveness and consider alternative options when appropriate.
Today, Donna is receiving intravenous chemotherapy again.
Although the infusion suite is not exactly where Donna would choose to spend her time, her outgoing personality ensures that she makes the most of each visit. She often brings friends or family members to appointments and enjoys connecting with other patients receiving treatment. For Donna, even a day at the infusion center can become an opportunity to build relationships and share encouragement with others navigating cancer.
Her experience reflects an important reality of metastatic cancer care: treatment is often a continuing process of monitoring, adaptation, and decision-making, with the goals of controlling the disease and preserving quality of life.
Finding Purpose Beyond Cancer
Despite the demands of ongoing treatment, Donna has continued doing what she loves most: teaching young children. She credits her preschool students with helping her maintain perspective throughout her cancer journey.
"They allow me to take the focus off myself and what I am going through and focus on them. I am passionate about helping kids learn and grow," she says.
In the eight years since her diagnosis, Donna has not missed a single day of work.
Her dedication speaks to the importance of maintaining meaningful routines, relationships, and activities during cancer treatment. While every patient's experience is different, continuing to participate in valued aspects of life can provide a sense of purpose and connection during an otherwise uncertain time.
For Donna, the classroom is more than a workplace. It is a place where she can encourage curiosity, celebrate milestones, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.
And while cancer remains part of her story, it is not the whole story.
Looking Ahead with Hope
In June 2027, at age 65, Donna plans to retire from her role as a preschool teacher. Although she knows she will miss her students, she is looking forward to a new chapter with her husband, Chris.
The couple plans to travel across the country in their converted bus, exploring the United States and performing music at churches along the way.
Donna expects to return to Spokane each month for her cancer appointments. Although coordinating ongoing treatment with travel will require planning, she is determined to embrace the opportunities ahead. Her life continues to hold possibilities, even when the future looks different than expected.
For Donna, hope is not about ignoring the challenges of cancer. It is about continuing to make plans, nurture relationships, find joy in everyday experiences, and look forward to what comes next.
A Message of Encouragement for Others Facing Cancer
When Donna reflects on her journey, she returns to the difference one person can make in another's life. She believes that each day offers an opportunity to make a positive impact.
"Every day, I have the choice to make a difference—a student, parent, family member, even a stranger. I can make a difference! If you are going through cancer, do not give up. Remember, we can fight this battle."
Donna's story is a testament to the strength found in purpose, connection, and continued hope. For Donna, the journey continues. And so do the lessons she shares with everyone she meets: keep moving forward, find meaning in the moments that matter, and never underestimate the difference you can make.