From OHC
October 29, 2024
The journey of battling breast cancer is never easy, but for Amy Han, it was a path paved with resilience, support, and advanced medical care. Amy’s story is a testament to the importance of early detection and the compassionate care provided by OHC, which played a pivotal role in her recovery and outlook on life.
“My diagnosis started with a very routine and somewhat random mammogram,” Amy recalls. What began as a standard check-up quickly turned into a life-altering event. Given her family history—both her mother and sister had breast cancer—Amy was vigilant about her health. “In January, they came back and said, ‘This is a very, very early cancer,” she explains. Amy had been diagnosed with stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2/neu positive breast cancer.
The news was jarring, but Amy was grateful for the early diagnosis. “It was very early diagnosis which was just a godsend to me. I think that was probably a miracle that saved me from having to do more aggressive chemo,” she reflects.
Faced with the diagnosis, Amy had to make some difficult decisions regarding her treatment plan. First, Amy worked with Dr. Palmer at Mercy Health. “I elected to have a double mastectomy. The tumor was in a perfect place and I had an incredible surgeon,” Amy shares. Her choice was driven by her desire to take the most proactive approach possible.
“I went in on February 1st, had a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I came home that afternoon, and four weeks later I went skiing out in Utah with my family,” she says, demonstrating her remarkable resilience and determination to not let cancer derail her life.
Amy’s journey with OHC was marked by a strong sense of being genuinely cared for by a dedicated team. The head of the team was OHC medical oncologist and hematologist Evan Z. Lang, MD, MS. “Dr. Lang was very supportive and really made sure I understood every step of the process,” she notes. OHC’s approach was not just about treating the disease but also about supporting the person facing it.
Dr. Lang adds, “Amy was very proactive in her approach to treatment, starting with her desire for a double mastectomy. She wanted to be a very active participant in her treatment plan, which let us work with her as a partner in her care.”
Amy was grateful for the partnership she had with OHC, stating “The whole medical team, from the surgeon to the nurses, created an environment where I felt genuinely cared for.” This team effort was a refreshing and vital part of her experience. “I have felt this is a team effort on everybody’s part which is always refreshing because you don’t always get that in medical offices.”
Amy’s treatment included a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with four cycles of Taxol and Herceptin, followed by eight more cycles of Herceptin alone. “I’m a lucky one because this was treated. I’m lucky that I didn’t get this in the 1990s before Herceptin was developed; I’d be dead,” adds Amy.
One of the most impactful aspects of Amy’s journey was the human touch provided by the nursing staff at OHC. “The nurses bring a very human element to a very unnatural and scary place,” she says. Their professionalism and warmth made a significant difference in her experience. “They make it so palatable to have to be in that space. They just do their job with the utmost professionalism and warmth.”
“Every time I went in for treatment, I felt like I was in safe hands. They were always there to answer my questions and provide comfort,” Amy adds, underscoring the importance of feeling secure and supported during such a challenging time.
Amy’s journey through cancer has given her a new perspective on life. “You don’t really learn to live until you’re faced with mortality and there’s nothing like a diagnosis of cancer to get you there fast,” she reflects. Her experience has made her more grateful of the small things in life, while also appreciating the people who impacted her journey along the way, including OHC staff members Danielle, Jennifer, Carla, Leslie, and so many more she couldn’t name.
Amy’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the critical role the right healthcare providers play in fight against cancer. OHC’s commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care made all the difference in her journey, and it continues to be a leading force in the cancer community. If you or a loved one are facing a similar journey, know that OHC is here to help. Please schedule an appointment, request a second opinion, or call us at 888-649-4800.
