OKEECHOBEE — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Coreen Cole is a breast cancer survivor. Cole discovered she had breast cancer after a mammogram in April 2022. “This was only my second mammo,” said Cole. “I think my gynecologist recommended it. It was just routine I think.”

After the mammogram, she was sent for an ultrasound and was told they found a mass and she would need a biopsy. The biopsy came back clear, but her doctor recommended she have an MRI just to be sure. This showed the lump had grown significantly and a second biopsy came back as stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer. This type is not susceptible to hormones and is very hard to treat and is very aggressive.

They also did genetic testing for the BRCA gene, because Cole has children who could be affected if the result was positive for mutations.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website, “The name “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer gene.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing breast cancer. Every human has both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Despite what their names might suggest, BRCA genes do not cause breast cancer. In fact, these genes normally play a big role in preventing breast cancer. They help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of tumors. Because of this, the BRCA genes are known as tumor suppressor genes. However, in some people these tumor suppression genes do not work properly. When a gene becomes altered or broken, it doesn’t function correctly. This is called a gene mutation.

“A small percentage of people (about one in 400, or 0.25% of the population) carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. A BRCA mutation occurs when the DNA that makes up the gene becomes damaged in some way. When a BRCA gene is mutated, it may no longer be effective at repairing broken DNA and helping to prevent breast cancer. Because of this, people with a BRCA gene mutation are more likely to develop breast cancer, and more likely to develop cancer at a younger age. The carrier of the mutated gene can also pass a gene mutation down to his or her offspring.”

Unfortunately for Cole and children, they did find a mutation. Her oldest daughter was tested and also had the mutation. She had a prophylactic mastectomy.

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Cole’s younger daughter has not been tested yet as she is too young. She will most likely choose to be tested when she is an adult. Cole also has two granddaughters who will need to make that decision when they grow up. Although it is rare, even males can get breast cancer so Cole’s sons will need to be tested too.

According to the National Cancer Institute, this surgery can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 95%. The recommendations for anyone receiving a BRCA1 diagnosis is to begin mammogram screening alternating with MRIs every six months starting immediately after diagnosis.”

After her MRI revealed the mass had tripled in size, Cole was sent to radiology where they performed a second biopsy. “This one was kind of horrifying,” said Cole. “I was at Heartland picking up some prescriptions when I felt something wet and looked down to see my shirt was covered in blood. I was glad I was wearing a dark colored shirt.” The results came in a few days later, and the doctor told Cole’s daughter, who is a nurse practitioner, so she could break the news to her mom. Within days, they put a port in so she could begin chemotherapy. After she finished chemo, she had a double mastectomy and then, she began immunotherapy. She said this was very difficult. “It just about killed me.” It was an IV treatment called Keytruda.

All of her treatments were in Fort Pierce, and a close friend, Dawn Huddlestone took her to each one. “I don’t know what I would have down without her,” said Cole. “She was with me through everything. The only time she missed one was the day her daughter had a baby.” She said they have been friends for years. “Dawn was my first friend after I moved to Okeechobee in the 80s.”

In addition to the mastectomy, Cole also had a hysterectomy, because BRCA 1 since BRCA gene mutations increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer as well. 

Cole had reconstruction surgery but wishes she just left them off entirely because she is unhappy with the result. “They don’t always tell you that’s a choice.”

Every year, Cole has to be checked for pancreatic cancer, because this can also stem from the gene.

“Early diagnosis is the key to surviving breast cancer,” said Cole’s daughter. “In Okeechobee, if you are unable to afford a mammogram, you can request one through the health department.”

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• 65% of those are diagnosed at a localized stage, meaning the cancer has not spread.
• Breast cancer is THE most common cancer in American women.
• In 2022, approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnosis will be breast cancer.
• On average, every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the number one cause for Latin women living in the U.S.