Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Leska Cipolla

Pregnant with her oldest son, Leska Cipolla found out that she was BRCA positive, which meant she had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. With a family history of breast cancer (her mom and two sisters), and being a nurse herself, Leska was proactive in her healthcare. Unfortunately, when her son was only months old, she felt a lump in her lymph nodes. From that moment on, it was a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, scans and procedures.

“My biggest concern at that time, and through it all, was my son,” said Leska. “Most of my battle with cancer was focusing on being there for my son." In turn, he was there for every treatment she had. Thanks to support from her husband and many friends, her son was there in the waiting room while she went through chemotherapy and her mastectomy. "I needed him there,” she said.

When it came time for radiation, her oncologist recommended that she pursue proton radiation therapy with Julie Bradley, MD, MHCDS at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute because the cancer was in her left breast and there was a concern of radiation dose to her heart. Despite living in Orlando, her physician’s recommendation and confidence in Dr. Bradley and her team made it an easy decision to head to Jacksonville for treatment. As a young adult preparing to have radiation that could potentially damage her heart, she appreciated the recommendation to a breast cancer treatment option that would spare damage to her heart and minimize the chance of long-term heart issues. She loved the care she received from Dr. Bradley and her team at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. “It was a really good team,” she said.

Leska, her husband and son participated in many of the patient and caregiver support activities while she received treatment at the Institute. Having support throughout treatment was important, especially as a young adult in her thirties. This age group is referred to as the “AYA” community or “Adolescents and Young Adults.” The support needs for young adults varies greatly from those who are diagnosed at an older age, or even the young children coming in for treatment. In Leska’s case, it was important that her husband and child were able to be there with her during her treatments. In addition, as they hoped to have more children, some of her first appointments were with fertility specialists to help with egg preservation. Also, the consideration of her oncologist to recommend proton therapy to reduce the chance of side effects and secondary cancers due to her young age was critical. Personalized treatment as well as emotional support for patients of all ages is important during and after treatment.

Leska shared that she felt scared immediately after finishing treatment. No one can truly prepare you for life after cancer and treatments. You go from seeing a doctor frequently, then less and less. “There is always the worry that it is going to come back. You never stop worrying, but there does come a point in time when it is not your first thought. And that is a good feeling,” said Leska. Her advice for other people diagnosed with cancer is to be ready for setbacks since it isn’t going to go perfectly every day. “Also, trust your doctors and do not go crazy searching on Google,” she said. She feels like this saved her from some anxiety throughout the entire journey.

For Leska, life as a breast cancer survivor has continued to be a whirlwind. She and her husband welcomed another son six years later. However, when he was five months old, her six-year-old son was diagnosed with lymphoma. They are grateful that he is now a thriving eight-year-old. However, it was difficult to go through the cancer diagnosis and treatment journey again for her son.

Today, she continues to drive two hours to follow up with the proton therapy team in Jacksonville. After completing treatment with Dr. Julie Bradley, Leska was referred to the Institute’s breast cancer survivorship clinic, which is led by radiation oncology nurse practitioner, Teena Burchianti, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, OCN. Leska has no problem driving to Jacksonville for her follow up appointments. “Teena is so knowledgeable. She is a light in people’s lives. She is so intuitive, and she also pays attention. She genuinely cares,” said Leska. “Teena is literally my favorite provider out of all the doctors I have.” Read more about Teena and the breast cancer survivorship program in this newsletter.