From Diagnosis, Treatment and Moving Forward: Stories of Four Brave Women
Joyce Culp, 56
My breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
The first time I had breast cancer was in 2007. I felt a lump during a breast self-exam, which was easy to feel, since my breasts were very small. I got in to see Dr. Wayne Frei that same week. Mastectomy was an option, but I was young and had a 5-year-old son. Dr. Frei and the medical oncologists worked together and made me feel part of the process. I weighed what everyone was saying and made the choice to have lumpectomy and radiation treatments.
Seventeen years later, I felt a mass again in the same breast in February of 2024. I contacted Dr. Frei and had a mammogram and sonogram that confirmed the diagnosis. This time, Dr. Frei performed a mastectomy. I am a lot older, and my son is in college. I was just beginning a second career in musical theater at a new school. I am also running a pet sitting business that I love. I felt like I was a confident person, who would not have any problems emotionally or physically with a mastectomy. I approached it very scientifically and just wanted to move on. But the opposite was true. The mastectomy knocked my self-confidence like target practice. There were some dark days, trying to be positive about a future, when my favorite clothes were not comfortable. I couldn’t even receive a hug without being in pain, and my energy levels plummeted. But I had gone 18 years without cancer. Single mastectomy was the only choice for me.
My care at Aiken Regional Medical Centers
The nurse navigator was there from the very beginning to help me with absolutely anything, from simple questions to the more complex. She shared information with me that was invaluable in weighing my options and helped me to feel not so alone in the journey. Dr. Frei and his nurse Alice have been my guardians and friends every step of the way. They are quick to return calls, leaving detailed messages that helped me to rest easy with the answers. They have saved my life countless times and have kept me going on some tough days. I also felt deeply cared for at the Women's LifeCare Center, where I stayed for a week following my mastectomy. Nothing you need is too small or too big. They work as a true team, where they are just as willing to get your pain under control, as they are in delivering you your millionth cup of ice chips.
Following my mastectomy, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2024. I have been receiving chemotherapy treatments for the colon cancer. Dr. Frei referred me to Dr. Frank Chase, who performed a robotic colon resection. Both doctors have been spot-on. The doctors and the staff at Aiken Regional have earned my trust and loyalty for their superior care for all the last 20-plus years. From my surgical team – to the nurses, food service and volunteer greeters – I have always felt safe and well cared for from start to finish.
My advice
Understanding your family’s history is important. My father had testicular, colon and prostate cancer as well as melanoma. I do not have a known predisposition to breast cancer. I am currently waiting on the colon cancer gene test results. The difference in early detection can be the difference between a quick outpatient surgery or months of radiation and chemotherapy. Don't wait until your body is telling you to get checked. Sometimes it is too late by then. Make yourself a priority and follow a preventive schedule! Connect with others. Don’t allow yourself to become isolated. Find your people!
Catrina Wright, 39
My breast cancer diagnosis and treatment 
I was 39 when I felt a lump in my breast during a breast-self exam. I then had an exam at a medical facility near to me, and the practitioner felt the lump as well. She sent a referral for me to have a mammogram at the Women’s Breast Health and Imaging Center at Aiken Regional Medical Centers and an ultrasound, also at Aiken Regional. One week later, I got a call from Dr. Jill Enter‘s office telling me to come in to go over the results. I was then told I have breast cancer, which was believed to be stage one, but a CT scan was recommended to be sure and this confirmed the results. I have a family history of other cancers, but not breast cancer. I was the first in my family to be identified as having the BRCA 1 genetic mutation.
Learn more about BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 →
My care at Aiken Regional
My treatments have been chemotherapy and a dual mastectomy, all within six months, and I am now receiving radiation treatments. The great recommendations I had for Dr. Enter, who became my surgeon, made me feel like she would lead me in the right direction for the best treatment. The very first day I met her we prayed together. I saw then that she is a very caring and compassionate person, who also gave me words of encouragement. She always assured me that I was doing great, even when I didn’t feel my best. She told me about different support groups to reach out to if I needed someone to talk to about what I was going through or what I was feeling. My oncologist Dr. Aaron Flanders and his team are also awesome. They answered my questions, making me feel comfortable and taking good care of me every time, as I underwent chemotherapy treatments.
Everyone has a different breast cancer journey. My journey was very hard for me physically and emotionally. I felt like giving up numerous times. The chemotherapy treatments really took a toll on my body. I was sick the first 4 to 5 days after chemo, feeling nauseous and weak. I had to have a blood transfusion. I wanted to stop treatment so many times. But I kept telling myself you have 2 to 3 good days to look forward to between treatments. This will not last forever, so I knew I had to find the strength to keep going. Dr. Enter reassured me that she would take good care of me and that I had nothing to worry about. I trusted her. I want to thank my family, friends and doctors for motivating me to keep fighting.
My advice
Take your health seriously. See your doctor regularly and get your check-ups. Don’t wait until something is wrong, especially when it comes to cancer. There may be no signs until it’s too late. Do regular self-breast exams, and make sure you are getting mammograms as recommended by your doctor. I had a really good experience at Aiken Regional.
Rebecca Weatherby, 73
My breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
At age 73, the biopsy of a suspicious lymph node on my left side indicated I had stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. Right away, I began chemotherapy and immunotherapy. During the initial treatments, an MRI was completed, which showed cancer present on both sides. After completing 12 rounds of chemotherapy, I had a bilateral mastectomy. The pathology report revealed two different types of cancer: triple negative on one side and hormone receptor positive on the other. I then completed 34 rounds of radiation treatments, and I am still receiving immunotherapy. I was fortunate both types of breast cancer presented at the same time and could be treated simultaneously. I am also grateful to have family and friends as supporters and cheerleaders.
My care at Aiken Regional
Although I had no family history of breast cancer, there was a family history of excellent treatment at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. And this time was no different. Aiken Regional Medical Centers and its network of providers were ready to provide the care I needed. Every individual involved in my treatment – from the hospital staff, the offices and the diagnostic and treatment centers – was so attentive, caring and compassionate. My questions, concerns and requests were addressed. The doctors, nurses, technicians, aides and ALL personnel made me feel pampered, special and important to them. I always received a familiar greeting and what felt like preferential treatment (though I know everyone is treated the same). As I continue immunotherapy treatments, I remain grateful for the superior medical care I have received and continue to receive at Aiken Regional.
My advice
Although each person has their own journey, story and motivation, two words that may be helpful to remember are faith and gratitude. Keep your faith and have faith in your doctors. Practice gratitude daily, and especially be grateful that at Aiken Regional, you can receive the best breast cancer treatment possible.
Christina Setters, 56
My breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
I had my first mammogram ever on April 4, 2024. It came back abnormal. But since first mammograms can be tricky because there is no other mammogram to compare it to, we decided to schedule another one that would take place a couple of weeks later. The results of my second mammogram on April 23 also came back abnormal. I was referred for an ultrasound that showed a spot on my right breast. It was recommended that I have a biopsy.
My care at Aiken Regional Medical Centers
I was so scared and in disbelief. My aunts on my father’s side had breast cancer, so there is a family history. But I had not noticed any signs of cancer. When I had the biopsy done on April 30, my children and other family members were there to support me. On May 7, I gathered with my family again at Aiken Regional for the results of my biopsy.
Dr. Lorenzo Sampson, who became my surgeon, came in and introduced himself to my children and gave us the bad news of cancer in my right breast. I cried with my family as he explained the options. I decided to have a double mastectomy. I was fortunate that I did not need to have chemotherapy or radiation because of the type of cancer, which was hormone receptive positive. I am now taking preventive medication every day for five years. Dr. Sampson and the nurses and doctors who cared for me at Aiken Regional were amazing. Everyone at the hospital was so kind to me. From the surgeon and his team – to the Women’s Breast Health and Imaging Center and the staff who helped with the fittings for the silicone breasts – they were exceptional. They listened to me and let me cry. I knew I was in good hands.
My advice
I post all the time on social media about early detection. I urge people to get their mammograms yearly. Even if you think everything is fine, your life can change forever in the blink of an eye once you receive a breast cancer diagnosis. But having breast cancer does not define who you are. Stay strong. Become a member of a support group, like the Pink Dandelions. Never give up fighting. You are not alone. I recommend Aiken Regional Medical Centers for your healthcare.
Women's Breast Health and Imaging Center
The Women’s Breast Health and Imaging Center at Aiken Regional Medical Centers offers advanced breast health imaging tests – such as 3D mammography. It is the only dedicated, free-standing women’s imaging center in the area and includes certified mammography technicians. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your breast health journey, every step of the way.
We are honored to have cared for these four exceptional women and thank them for raising awareness on breast cancer with their inspiring stories of survival and hope.