In February 2023, Patsy Freeman Gatterson was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma after noticing a lump in her breast. She immediately started treatment, undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation, and had a unilateral mastectomy in September of that same year. Through unwavering faith in God and determination, she proudly rang the bell on December 29, 2023, signaling the end of her cancer treatment after ten long months.
The experience was something she never expected, but looking back, she’s grateful for all of it. “I tell people that at the end of the day, I would do it again,” Patsy said. “The battle strengthened my faith, along with my daughter and family. I now know how to help others going through this same journey.”
Alongside her faith, Patsy emphasized that she couldn’t have endured the tough and exhausting treatments without the support of Memorial Hermann’s Virtual Breast Cancer Support Group. She found the group invaluable not only for its emotional support but also for the first-hand perspectives and information the group provided. “Having a support group was essential because they spoke my new language, filling the gap I was missing,” Patsy said. “My family loves me deeply and would do anything for me, but there were some things we couldn’t discuss because they simply didn’t understand.”
Patsy first learned about the support group after visiting Canopy Survivorship Center, a first-of-its-kind cancer survivorship center in the Greater Houston area located on the campus of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.
“Canopy offers a wide variety of programs and services that address the emotional, physical, and social needs of those touched by cancer,” explained Shernette Sherrill, MSN, oncology nurse navigator at Canopy. “Our goal at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands is to integrate these services into the continuum of cancer care so that we can help improve the health and quality of life of cancer patients and survivors.”
It was through Canopy that Patsy was first introduced to Memorial Hermann’s Virtual Breast Cancer Support 2 Group, which meets via Zoom on the second Wednesday of every month. The support group is open to any patient with a breast cancer diagnosis, regardless of where they receive treatment.
“We welcome patients who are newly diagnosed, patients who have completed treatment, and are also happy to have caregivers and loved ones participate,” Shernette said. “We say we are ‘Stronger Together’ because we know how crucial it is to have support during a person’s cancer journey.”
The support group not only offers connection but also provides resources and information related to breast cancer topics, including advice for those going through active treatment. “It enables open conversation between those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis, offering hope and empowerment, and it also provides a safe space for patients to connect with others who have similar experiences,” Shernette said. “We provide vital resources, education on chemotherapy, coping tips and emotional support, and we foster a healing process that addresses long-term physical, mental, emotional and financial health following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, we strive to see that patients never fight cancer alone after a diagnosis.”
For Patsy, the support group has been a key component in both her emotional and physical health since her cancer diagnosis. “I did a lot of research after I was diagnosed with cancer, but to hear from someone who had actually gone through it and to get advice like how you should keep ice chips in your mouth during chemo—it was just a godsend,” Patsy said. “Being able to talk to someone about what you are going through is its own kind of healing.”
Despite finishing her treatments in 2023, Patsy has realized that she can’t simply leave her cancer diagnosis behind. Like many survivors, she has persistent side effects from her treatments and recently completed her second round of therapy at TIRR Memorial Hermann The Woodlands for lymphedema, a common condition patients experience after breast cancer treatment.
“Ringing the bell signifies the cancer is gone, but it doesn’t mean it’s over—it’s never truly over,” Patsy said. “That’s something I learned in the cancer support group. Having had cancer becomes a part of your life, and now it’s my turn to share what I’ve learned and help others. Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently fighting cancer or a survivor, I would encourage you to join a cancer support group who can speak your new language, because we really are ‘Stronger Together.’”