Jill's Story

Battling Breast Cancer with Knowledge, Support, and a Vision for Change — Jill's Story

Jill Stone was aware of her family history of breast cancer, so she had been getting routine mammograms since she was 35 years old. When one of those mammograms showed cancer, she took it in stride.

“For some reason, I always felt like it was going to be ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ for me,” she said.

Stone appreciated being cared for by her peers and friends. But there were challenges, too.

“I had multiple surgical setbacks, which required nine breast surgeries,” she said. “I felt like every time I took one step forward, I took two steps backward. However, I knew that a positive attitude and the support of my family, friends and co-workers got me through to the finish line…and they did!”

As the senior director of Physical Medicine at TidalHealth, Stone had a unique perspective on her care.

"Always look for the positive in every situation."

“I am on the Breast Cancer Committee at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. I felt like I knew more than the average person about what to expect. But despite that, I had a lot of questions, and initially a lot of fear of the unknown,” she said. “I think it helped me to have the knowledge that I had. It is very challenging to navigate a cancer diagnosis when you must coordinate care between a plastic surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, general surgeon and PCP.”

Fortunately, Stone was in a position to effect change.

“When I returned to work after surgery and chemo had started, I called Warner Crumb, who oversees the General Surgery Division. I expressed my frustration with trying to navigate my care. Even as a healthcare provider, who is familiar with the process and providers, it was sometimes difficult to know who to call for what, and when to see which provider for each issue.”

Stone saw a potential way to help. “I asked if we could create an education book and possibly provide a pre-operative class for patients who are undergoing breast surgery. We had something similar for the total joint replacement population, and I felt like it would be a great opportunity to improve education of patients, improve outcomes and most importantly relieve the stress of navigating cancer care for breast patients. Warner agreed and we have been able to create an educational book and provide a class to our breast patient population.”

Stone says it’s important for patients to not only be educated and understand their care, but also to find support.

“Always look for the positive in every situation. Lean on your family and friends for support. It was very difficult for me to accept help at various times during my treatment; however, I found that it makes other people feel good to be able to help … so it made it easier for me.”