This Christmas, I’m thanking my cancer care team

By: Cynthia Henke 

The holiday season feels different this year.  

For most American families, the holidays are often a time of gratitude and reflection on the things that really matter. In the past, my answer to the question of “What are you thankful for?” consisted of something like family, friends and a successful career. These are all still true – but my cancer fight over the past year has impacted my answer in more ways than one. 

When I discovered a lump on my breast during a self-examination last August, I didn’t know what the future would hold. As other people with cancer know, things move quickly after the initial discovery. After a series of medical investigations, I received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), Stage 3B. This led to a mastectomy and five weeks of radiation. But it wasn’t enough.  

This cancer is aggressive and can spread quickly, so my Mission doctors recommended a clinical trial, and I am currently undergoing a second phase of chemotherapy as a part of this trial. 

So, this year as I reflect on all I’ve gone through, I am deeply thankful for my dedicated cancer care team who have been by my side every step of the way. Having Dr. Seema Harichand and the Mission oncologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and staff of Mission Cancer + Blood (which is now a part of UI Health Care) caring for me close to home has helped me continue to live fully and embrace each moment throughout this process. And I am grateful that Mission’s connection to UI Health Care means that I, too, have access to the expertise and cutting-edge treatment that comes with a National Cancer Institute designation.  

Not only am I motivated by improving my own cancer outcomes but participating in clinical trials helps me contribute to developing more effective treatments for future patients. Knowing that I might be able to help someone else in a similar position keeps me going. If you are a cancer patient and can take part in a clinical trial, I can’t recommend it enough.  

I am thankful for being treated with compassion throughout this journey. By building meaningful relationships with my care team and getting to know them as real people, I have felt advocated for and comfortable every step of the way.    

My cancer journey has shifted my perspective. My body has forced me to slow down and realize what really matters, like finding joy in the little things, and the relationships that mean the most to me, especially my children.   

As I continue this fight, one thing rings true – I am in it for the long haul with my family, medical team, coworkers and friends by my side – and will keep living my best life while doing it. This Christmas, I’m more thankful than ever.  

Cynthia Henke ([email protected]) is a mother of two, a dental hygienist, and West Des Moines resident. She is currently undergoing treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), Stage 3B.