Posted In Patient Stories on October 02, 2024

Surviving breast cancer with positivity and a supportive team — Alison's story
My name is Alison Cernava, and I am a breast cancer survivor.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40. I didn’t have my mammogram right away because I found out I was pregnant. At 19 weeks, I miscarried and delivered my daughter on Oct. 2, 2021. Before I went back to work, I decided to have my mammogram. The office staff called me that afternoon and told me I needed to come in for an ultrasound and then later that week I had to have a biopsy. On Nov. 1, 2021, four weeks after I miscarried, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma Stage 2 in my left breast.
Breast cancer was the last thing I thought I would be diagnosed with since I didn’t have any family history. The next two weeks consisted of several medical appointments and discussion about next steps. I started chemotherapy 17 days after I was diagnosed. Because I had an aggressive type of cancer, I began an aggressive treatment plan that consisted of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. After I finished chemotherapy, I chose to have a double mastectomy.
"I always felt like the staff cared; I wasn't just another person with breast cancer."
Throughout my entire treatment, I tried to stay positive; I truly believe having positive thoughts made all the difference in the world. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, friends, co-workers, and the staff at TidalHealth's Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute in Ocean Pines and Salisbury. Having a team of doctors and nurses that you trust makes the entire process easier. I always felt like the staff cared; I wasn’t just another person with breast cancer. Dr. Sechler and Dr. Kucinski always put my mind at ease, and they continue to do so even to this day.
Become part of TidalHealth's Drive for Mobile Mammography. TidalHealth will be raising funds to bring a mobile mammography unit to Delmarva. This unit will drive to underserved areas to offer breast cancer screenings to our friends, families, and neighbors who may not have access to healthcare. Learn how you can donate and help us save lives.