October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month… Read about our young survivor who is such an inspiration to all of us at Robbins Plastic Surgery!
My name is Joanne Zampino, and I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer at age 39. My son was 18 months old, and my husband was a stay at home Dad; I was the sole provider for our family and was in shock and scared.
The diagnosis was an emotional roller coaster and a long process. Before she even performed the biopsy, the Radiologist Doctor with 35 years’ experience warned me that we were dealing with cancer. It was the first time I heard those words. She looked at me square in the eyes as I was sobbing into a wash cloth and told me not only was I in the best hands in Middle Tennessee, but I was in the best hands in the world. She took time to answer questions about next steps, recommendations for doctors and time to console me.
There’s a Maya Angelou quote about “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. I will never forget how she made me feel on Sept 19, 2016, and how every other doctor and nurse have made me feel supported, comforted and in good hands ever since. The compassionate care continued throughout tests, chemo, a double mastectomy with delayed reconstruction, radiation and now reconstruction. Every doctor and nurse I have encountered on this journey has made me feel like I have a team fighting this battle with me, and together we will win!
When I met Dr. Robbins, he held my hands and apologized for having to meet my husband and me under these circumstances and assured me that I would have all of the information I needed to make the best decisions. We felt his genuine concern and interest in my long-term recovery. I am forever grateful for how every medical Professional has made me feel during this journey. It gave me the knowledge, courage, empowerment, and support to stay positive and keep a smile on my face. I found being happy and positive around others is my small way of giving back while I continue this journey and reflect on the comfort, positivity, and support I receive from my team around me.
