Hope in every stitch for breast cancer survivor
October 8, 2026By: Kim Shopper
Categories: Cancer, Patient Stories - Cancer, Women's Breast Health, Women's Health, We are NKC Health
After facing a rare breast cancer diagnosis, Juanita Gordon, BSHS, RRT-ACCS, found a meaningful way to bring comfort and hope to other women facing the disease.
In June 2024, Juanita, a clinical education specialist in Respiratory Therapy, received a diagnosis she never expected: metaplastic breast cancer, a rare form of breast cancer that accounts for less than 1% of cases.
Juanita (second from left) credits her care team,
including Breast Care Nurse Navigators Samantha Terry
and Kelly Filipponi and Radiologist Carl Van Tasell, MD,
with her successful recovery from breast cancer.
The news came just one week before NKC Health announced plans to establish a cancer center. For Juanita, the diagnosis marked the beginning of an uncertain journey that would test her emotionally and physically — and ultimately inspire her to help other women facing breast cancer.
“When I first received my diagnosis, I made the mistake of looking up information about my cancer by myself at work,” Juanita said. “I spent the next 24 hours in a mental spiral, thinking how I was going to leave this life. I will never forget that heavy mental strain.”
When she met with her oncologist after her biopsy, Juanita learned she would likely need aggressive treatment. However, there was another possibility: an extremely rare subtype of breast cancer called fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma, which typically has a more favorable prognosis.
Her oncologist was not optimistic Juanita had this rare type of cancer. With a double mastectomy scheduled for the following week, Juanita was preparing for extensive treatment and an uncertain prognosis.
Then the pathology results came back.
Juanita had fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma.
“It was my life lottery,” she said.
The results meant surgery would be the primary treatment, so Juanita would not need chemotherapy. Even so, she had spent months preparing for the worst and struggled to believe the good news.
Today, Juanita is doing well and has completed breast reconstruction.
Finding comfort in the little things
Although Juanita's diagnosis brought uncertainty, the support she received from her care team made a lasting impression. Kelly Filipponi, RN, OCN, and Samantha Terry, BSN, RN, breast care nurse navigators at NKC Health, supported Juanita during her biopsy and after her mastectomy.
The morning after surgery, Kelly brought Juanita a small blanket made by a breast cancer survivor.
“I cannot tell you how much that gesture from an unknown cancer survivor meant to me,” Juanita said.
This simple act of kindness stayed with her — especially as she navigated the practical challenges of recovery.
After discharge, Juanita's first challenge was the ride home. The seat belt crossed directly over her surgical site and drains, forcing her to hold the seat belt away from her chest for the entire trip and during subsequent doctor visits.
Showering while managing two drains presented another challenge. She also experienced hot flashes after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy.
These everyday obstacles were difficult in ways Juanita had not anticipated. As she recovered, Juanita began thinking about how to make the experience easier for other women.
Turning experience into compassion
Juanita came back to work just three weeks after surgery. Although she had not fully healed, returning to her routine helped Juanita manage the emotional weight of her diagnosis.
She also began creating small survival bags for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Inspired by the challenges she experienced firsthand, she included items to make recovery more comfortable, such as a seat belt pillow, a battery-operated mini fan and a shower cape with drain holders.
What started as a few bags became an ongoing effort. Juanita now sews seat belt pillows and gives them to Kelly and Samantha to distribute to patients.
Juanita carefully selects soft fabrics and beautiful patterns for each pillow, knowing that something as simple as a comfortable ride home can make a difference after surgery.
“I am now grateful to be the unknown survivor who gives back with understanding and compassion,” Juanita said. “I say a prayer over each one for strength, courage and healing.”
Earlier this year, Juanita decorated the cancer treatment windows with colorful flowers and butterflies to brighten the spaces where patients receive care.
Through these efforts, Juanita has transformed her own experience into opportunities to bring comfort and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.
Grateful for the people who made a difference
Juanita also remains grateful for the care she received from the cancer team throughout her diagnosis and treatment, including radiologist Carl Van Tasell, MD.
After a suspicious mammogram finding and a concerning ultrasound a few days later, Juanita asked Dr. Van Tasell if her biopsy could be performed that same day, as she was leaving for vacation the following morning.
“He worked a miracle to make that happen, which allowed me to schedule my surgery sooner when I returned,” Juanita said.
October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month puts a spotlight on why early detection, timely care and support throughout the cancer journey mean so much. Juanita's experience shows that cancer care doesn’t end with medical treatment. Small gestures, practical resources and connections with people who understand can make a real difference.
What can you do during Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
- Schedule your mammogram — it could save your life. Start at age 40 or earlier if you have risk factors. Talk with your provider. NKC Health employees and the community can schedule screening mammograms without a physical referral at nkchealth.org/Mammo.
- Speak up and advocate for yourself. You know your body better than anyone else.
- Support those in treatment with compassion — you never know the battles someone may be facing.
