Since Dana Wedel’s initial breast cancer diagnosis, she’s experienced despair as well as hope. She’s lived in isolation, and she’s been surrounded by support. She’s felt immobilized by fear, as well as motivated by faith in the future. Dana says that along the way, she’s learned the importance of experiencing both the highs and the lows of the journey.
“This journey has taught me to work through opposites; I must go through one to allow for the other. The highs and the lows both belong. That’s the emotional truth,” Dana said. “It’s like a river – there are peaceful points, and there are rapids, but then there will be peace again. With that in mind, I recognize the reality of my impending death as well as the hope that all will work out as good for me and my son.”
Dana is the loving, single mother of 15-year-old Cy. They are each other’s worlds.
“I really want to see him grown,” Dana said. “That feeling gets so intense for me, but also, it’s my motivational drive. It’s both of those things: My deepest wound and my strongest catalyst.”
Discovering Expert Cancer Care at Compass
After undergoing surgery and radiation at a local hospital in 2019, Dana’s breast cancer went undetectable throughout the COVID pandemic. Then, in 2022, Dana’s worst fear became reality: Her cancer returned, and it had spread to several places in her body. On top of that, Dana’s cancer was identified as a specific subtype that falls into a newer, rapidly evolving category.
“My first oncologist seemed bewildered by it and didn’t know what to do, so I really wanted second opinions,” Dana remembered.
Dana met several women at Breast Friends, a nonprofit support group for women facing breast cancer, who recommended seeking care at Compass Oncology.
“When I told the Compass doctor that my previous oncologist didn’t give me much hope and didn’t really know what to do besides the drug I was currently on, he looked a little shocked. He said, ‘Well, they’re not up on their research, because here’s all the things I would recommend for you.’ Turns out, he is an expert in my subgroup of breast cancer! Finding him felt like it was meant to be,” Dana said.
Connecting with Compassion at Compass
Connecting with physicians who maintain expertise in the latest research and treatments, and prioritize providing access to the newest clinical trials, gave Dana hope.
In addition to a different approach to care, Dana noticed that Compass offered distinct and positive energy.
“The vibe is peaceful and contented, and that felt very different to me. The staff at Compass seem happy and relaxed, and it comes across in the care they give. Plus, my physician is extremely knowledgeable, and he always has a plan and a backup plan. One thing that has really stood out to me is, from the moment I walked in, my doctor has always treated me as a living person and not as someone who is dying,” Dana said.
Facing Fears and Feeling Loved at Compass
Since transferring care to Compass, Dana has received several targeted therapies, homing in on breast cancer cells. She’s also participated in a clinical trial, and she’s received regular infusions at Compass Cancer Centers. All that to say, she’s spent significant time with Compass team members.
“From the office staff to the medical assistants, physician assistants, and nurses, everyone is willing to connect, and they show up compassionately. It floors me. I don’t know how they do it again and again,” Dana said. “I don’t want to be dramatic about it, but at Compass you really feel taken care of … it feels like family.”
Initially, the clinical trial Dana participated in worked wonderfully well, but over time, the treatment stopped being effective. So, although reluctant about enduring harsher therapies, Dana recently transitioned from targeted chemotherapy to a chemotherapy that attacks all quickly dividing cells – Dana and her doctor call it, “wrecking ball chemo.”
“Wrecking ball chemo has been more difficult for my body, and I have less strength, yet there is still much to love in my life,” Dana said. “… What I’ve found throughout this journey is that my worst fear can happen, and I still love my life. I’ve learned this lesson time and again, and I will continue learning to apply it to the next stage of life and this river that I’m traveling,” Dana said.
Dana expressed deep gratitude to her biggest cheerleader – her sweet son, Cy – as well as to the Compass team members who continue walking alongside her.
Written by Jessica Poe