Staci's Journey: A Story of Strength and Positivity
Staci Snowden, an employee of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2023, following a previous diagnosis of cervical cancer in 2009, which led to her undergoing a hysterectomy. Her journey into this latest battle began unexpectedly in June 2023 when her husband noticed a significant size difference in her breasts, despite having no other symptoms like lumps or discharge.
Concerned, Staci visited urgent care, where the doctor recommended a mammogram and ultrasound. These tests revealed abnormalities in her left breast, leading to a biopsy that confirmed stage four inflammatory breast cancer. A subsequent PET scan showed that the cancer had spread to her left pelvic bone, which was later confirmed through another biopsy.
Following her diagnosis, Staci began treatment under the care of her oncologist, Dr. Yelda Nouri. Staci’s treatment plan included Kisqali, a chemotherapy pill taken daily at 600mg. The treatment came with side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and hair loss, but Staci remained positive as her body responded well to the medication.
On August 26, 2024, Staci underwent a single breast mastectomy to further remove cancer from her body. During the surgery, a tissue expander was placed, requiring weekly breast expansions. Despite this difficult journey, Staci returned to work while preparing to undergo 25 rounds of radiation therapy.
Reflecting on her experience, Staci emphasizes the importance of following your doctor’s advice and keeping a positive outlook. “Make sure you stay focused, stay positive, and reach out to support teams,” she advises. Working at NYCBS, surrounded by cancer patients, gives her a unique perspective, helping her see herself as just another patient navigating the challenges of treatment.
Staci credits her strength to her family and husband, adding, “When you have that good team, positive things are going to come out, and you’re going to get better.” She also found support in breast cancer groups, encouraging others to seek similar connections.
Throughout her treatment, Staci relied on Dr. Nouri and her team, who she describes as “the sweetest person in the world.” Their care and compassion have been instrumental in her journey. Beyond her medical treatments, Staci focused on maintaining her physical health through exercise and meditation.
Recently, Staci’s courage and determination were recognized when she received an award from Positive Queens, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and domestic violence. Though she still has radiation therapy ahead, Staci remains optimistic, saying, “I got through the worst part, and it brought me to this stage, and I’m going to continue to go further.”