When sisters Judith Smith and Dianne Marks, both registered nurses from Port Arthur, Texas, received breast cancer diagnoses just a week apart in 2015, their lives changed dramatically. Instead of succumbing to fear, the sisters leaned on their lifelong bond and professional expertise to navigate this challenging journey together.
During a routine mammogram at Christus St. Mary Outpatient Facility, Judith, the director of health services at the Port Arthur City Health Department, discovered something concerning. “I had a biopsy done at MD Anderson in League City, and it was confirmed that I had breast cancer,” she recalled. Just days later, Dianne went for her own mammogram, which had always yielded reassuring results. Unfortunately, this visit ended differently.
“The doctor asked me to return for further discussion,” Dianne explained. It was then that she learned she had early-stage breast cancer. With her daughter’s wedding approaching in three weeks, Dianne requested to postpone treatment until after the celebration. Her doctors agreed, noting that the cancer was not aggressive.
Despite their similar diagnoses, the sisters soon realized their respective treatments would diverge significantly. Judith underwent extensive treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, which involved six months of chemotherapy, a segmental mastectomy, five weeks of radiation, and nine months of immunotherapy, including Herceptin. “The ultrasound and subsequent needle biopsy confirmed my diagnosis,” Judith said, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to her care.
Dianne, on the other hand, participated in a clinical trial for a dual-blind study involving a new oral medication alongside conventional treatment options. Following a 16-week trial, she had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, marking a lengthy but necessary recovery process.
Throughout their treatment journeys, both women maintained their professional lives, finding strength and normalcy in their routines. Judith openly shared her experience with her staff, seeking support from colleagues during her recovery. “For me, being around my coworkers helped keep my mind off what I was going through,” she noted. Her colleagues provided meals and encouragement, creating a supportive environment that bolstered her spirits.
Dianne also chose to stay engaged with her work, finding purpose in her role as a health science teacher at Port Arthur ISD. She now advocates passionately for early detection and the importance of annual mammograms. “I strongly believe in early detection, early cure,” she asserted. Dianne is also involved with Active Living After Cancer (ALAC), an organization aimed at encouraging survivors to remain physically active post-treatment.
Today, nearly a decade after their diagnoses, both Judith and Dianne lead vibrant lives, grateful for their health and the deepened bond they share. Their experience has not only strengthened their sisterhood but has also instilled in them a profound appreciation for resilience and support in the face of adversity.
Through their journey, Judith and Dianne exemplify how the strength found in family and community can illuminate even the darkest days. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the unyielding spirit of those facing life-altering challenges.
