Our Story

Tina Eckhart

Sutter Home for Hope RibbonI was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2008.  Two days prior to being diagnosed was when I noticed a tiny little lump on my right breast.  It was so small that I thought this couldn’t be anything to worry about, but it felt very strange. It was different compared to other lumps I’ve felt in the past since I have always had fibrocystic breasts.
The very next day I called my doctor who saw me immediately and confirmed that there was a lump. She immediately ordered a mammogram and ultrasound.  Since I’m an employee at City of Hope, I was able to get an appointment the very next day and it was confirmed by the radiologist that she was 99% sure I had breast cancer. 

My heart sunk to floor, as I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  The word cancer never entered my mind as I have always been so healthy and never had anything seriously wrong with me.  I even questioned the doctor since I thought I hadn’t had a biopsy yet to confirm that was in fact cancer.  It was at the holiday season so I tried to keep my mind occupied with family gatherings and holiday shopping. 

In January I was scheduled for a biopsy, which confirmed for sure that there was a malignancy.  From that point on it was non-stop for me as my world turn upside down with a team of 7 doctors and several nurses who treated and walked me through the journey of breast cancer.  I was with the best doctors in the world and I felt confident that they were on top of every aspect of my treatment. 

I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer, which was a very good prognosis, however I had a very aggressive tumor, which required chemotherapy. I really wasn’t prepared for this nor did I want it.  After all I was only stage I.  However, my oncologist new I wouldn’t like the news as I told her when I was first diagnosed, I do not want chemotherapy. I’ll never forget that day.  I knew it was just as difficult for her to tell me and when she did, I started crying. I was devastated and once again my heart sunk to the ground. I thought how would I get through this and survive? What would I do without my hair? Then I started thinking about all the cancer survivors that I have been in touch with over the past 10 years in working at City of Hope.  They were all such an inspiration to me and were all so courageous in their battle with cancer.  I never heard them complain. They just wanted to get well and be cancer free. They got through it.  With that thought in my head, I knew I could do it and beat the cancer too. 

In February 2010 I had lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation.  My treatments ended in June 2010. I won the battle!  I was cancer free.  It was a journey filled with many uncertainties, but my faith, family and friends were right there with me for encouragement, love, and support.  I couldn’t have done this alone, and without my faith and trust in God.  There were many prayers going out on my behalf. City of Hope’s team of doctors, nurses, and staff saved my life.  They are the most dedicated, gifted and supportive team that I have ever experienced. I was in the right place at the right time. I am thrilled and happy to be alive and well.

I will always be grateful for all that City of Hope has done for me.