An inspirational story: Alison Cernava

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.