Cancer Doctor To Cancer Survivor: Tulsa Woman Shares Her Story

Think of eight women in your life: a mother, sister, aunt, daughter or friend. Statistics show one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in her life.

A Tulsa doctor has firsthand knowledge about battling cancer.

Seeing patients is part of Dr. Connie Nguyen's daily routine. As a radiation oncologist, she helps patients navigate radiation treatment. But five years ago, the cancer doctor became a cancer patient.

“And I woke up early one morning and found that one of my breasts got bloody nipple discharge and immediately I knew that I probably had breast cancer,” she said.

She went to see a breast specialist.

“We did the usual workup of mammogram and ultrasound. Both of which did not see my cancer. And I had a mammogram like a couple months ago and it didn't see anything as well,” Nguyen

After an MRI, the diagnosis was made.

“The MRI, when it was finally read by the radiologist, suggest that I may have involvement in the opposite breast as well. So, I went back to have a biopsy in the opposite breast and the opposite breast has multiple areas of concern,” Nguyen said.

That, coupled with a genetic test that showed Dr. Nguyen carried two cancer genes, and she decided to have a double mastectomy.

“So up until the surgery, I wasn't crying, I wasn't feeling sorry for myself. None of that,” she said. “After the surgery, there is some of that depression that goes on and I think with the pain from the surgery, it tumbled you into depression faster than you think it would.” 

Dr. Nguyen's family was a constant support and not long after surgery she was back at work.

“They showed so much concern and care for me. They pampered me the first couple of months. And they helped me get less depressed,” she said.

Ringing the bell for a cancer patient is a significant milestone. It signifies the end of their treatment. It's been about five years for Dr. Nguyen, and she said every day is a gift. 

“It teaches you who you are. How strong you can be,” she said.

Dr. Nguyen has been part of the Komen Race for the Cure, first as a physician and then as a survivor.

“I didn't do the run because I was still really weak, but I did the walk and then Jenks team and my daughter were cheering me on which was really nice to see that,” she said.

Dr. Nguyen hopes by sharing her story, others won't be afraid and she believes her journey has made her a better doctor.

“I hope that I provide the care that the patient looks for … the empathy that patient looks for. You know as physicians we strive to be better all the time and it's not always in our knowledge our way of caring for our patients,” she said.

The Komen Race for the Cure is Saturday, Sept. 21 at River Spirit Casino.

You’re invited to start your own team or join LeAnne's. Click here to register or make a donation.