The chances of inheriting the devastating effects of breast cancer are slim — researchers estimate that only 1 out of 7 cases of this formidable disease are caused by a genetic predisposition. However, Vicki Pappalardo’s experience seemed to defy the odds. Breast cancer had already affected her family, with her maternal grandmother, mother, and aunt all facing battles against it. Little did she know that her journey would serve as a remarkable testament to the resilience and the critical importance of early detection.
“When I turned 30, a doctor’s words hit me hard,” Vicki admits. “He predicted it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ I would develop breast cancer but ‘when.’ Still, I’m not one to cut off my nose to avoid getting a cold. I chose not to worry and face whatever came my way.”
Despite her resolve, over the next 30 years, Vicki remained diligent with annual screenings. It wasn’t until December 2018 that her luck ran out. Concerns were raised after her mammogram when suspicious spots were detected. Further tests confirmed her fears: stage two breast cancer. Three tumors, approximately two centimeters in size, were found behind her nipple within the milk ducts of her left breast. Vicki realized that without the mammogram, she might not have detected the cancer through self-examination alone.
Vicki’s path led her to Stephanie Moline, an exceptional Cancer Care Northwest surgeon who strongly advised a double mastectomy. Given Vicki’s heightened risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, the situation demanded the utmost seriousness and concern. Opting for a double mastectomy could significantly reduce the chances of future breast cancer occurrences.
This time, Vicki had no hesitation. “I wanted the cancer out of me!”
Vicki underwent two surgeries over a year, removing the left breast right away and then the right breast a year later during her reconstruction surgery. The road to recovery was not without setbacks. Vicki faced the insertion and failure of drain tubes multiple times, leading to additional stress and discomfort. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Vicki’s husband could not accompany her to the hospital. She vividly recalled the five-day separation: “I didn’t see him until he picked me up, which was a horrible experience. It was an incredibly vulnerable time for me.”
In June 2020, Vicki reached out to the skilled expertise of Dr. Derek Fletcher at Plastic Surgery Northwest for breast reconstruction. Dr. Fletcher took the time to explain the TRAM flap procedure, which involved using Vicki’s own lower abdominal tissue to reconstruct her breasts, resulting in a more natural appearance and a flatter stomach.
As Vicki reflects on approaching the significant five-year mark, she maintains an optimistic outlook. “There’s this notion of the five-year rule, suggesting that if a person remains cancer-free for five years after completing their initial treatment, the likelihood of cancer returning decreases significantly. So, we’ll see,” she says.
With a heightened awareness and knowledge about her condition, Vicki diligently follows up with her oncologist every four months for regular screenings and bone density scans. She firmly believes that staying vigilant and proactive in her ongoing care is the key to ensuring a healthy future.
In a twist of fate in 2020, Vicki lost her job at a credit union but found solace and a new opportunity at Inland Imaging, where she now works in the billing department. “I always examine a company’s core values to see if they align with mine,” she says. “That’s what I found with Inland Imaging.”
Vicki’s dedication to raising awareness and advocating for early detection continues to profoundly impact the lives of those around her. “When someone calls in and admits they’re not following up after a mammogram that suggests the possibility of cancer, I share my story with them,” she says. “I will shout it from the mountaintops because early detection saved my life.”