The Second Time is a Charm for a Young Nurse Who Beat Breast Cancer Twice

Spending nearly half her life as a nurse taking care of others, Katey Vuong of Claremont was surprised when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women ages 20 to 49 in the U.S., and even though Katey had no family history of the condition, felt normal and didn’t feel a lump in her breast, a routine mammogram during October 2023 revealed an abnormal mass.

A month after Katey received her diagnosis, she met with Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) surgeon Lori Vanyo, MD, FACS, Medical Director of the Breast Health Program at The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center for further evaluation and to discuss treatment options. Dr. Vanyo had recommended surgery and radiation to treat Katey’s breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends women start mammograms at age 40.

“Following the breast screening guidelines helped save Katey’s life,” said Dr. Vanyo. “Getting an early diagnosis is important, because it can increase options for treatment, stop cancer from spreading to different parts of the body and improve health outcomes.”

After three surgeries and 22 rounds of radiation treatment, Katey felt depleted. An avid food lover, she was disappointed to lose her appetite and often struggled with brain fog. A mother to two teenage boys, Katey’s sons stepped up to take care of their mother. To fight fatigue, Katey was encouraged to be as active as possible. A lover of the outdoors, Katey’s sons would take her hiking.

Throughout the experience, Katey fought hard to remain positive. She was surrounded by a loving family, which included her sister that went to every medical appointment with her. The PVHMC radiation oncology team also gave Katey the support she needed to overcome cancer and encouragement to return to a normal and fulfilling life.

“Having my sister to support me at every appointment and being surrounded by such kind staff in the oncology department helped me get through the toughest moments during treatment,” said Katey. “Reminding myself to be joyful and choose happiness throughout the whole process helped give me the physical strength I needed to recover.”

Ultimately, Katey overcame her first bout with breast cancer. She was relieved to return to work and was excited to get her life back to normal.

Three months after returning to work, Katey was dealt with a new blow. A cancerous mass was found in her other breast. Katey underwent two more surgeries, including a partial mastectomy, and another 20 rounds of radiation.

During her recovery, breast cancer nurse navigator, Livia Vargas, BSN, RN, introduced Katey to Living Well After Cancer, a local exercise group specifically for cancer survivors. The group brought her joy, connection and much-needed bonding with people who knew what Katey had been through.

“A cancer diagnosis is lifechanging for many people and it’s important for them to connect with others to see that there is hope to have a sense of well-being and improved quality of life again,” said Livia. “Connecting our patients to support groups goes a long way in their physical and emotional recovery.”

Katey was so touched by the kindness of all the Associates who facilitated her care and recovery that when she saw an opening for a palliative care nurse position at PVHMC she applied for the position. She knew these were the people she wanted to see every day.

A month after seeing the opening, and a month after being declared cancer free again, Katey started her new chapter in her career at PVHMC. Katey is back, she’s grateful and fulfilled with the purpose of taking care of others.