The Importance of Support During Breast Cancer Recovery

One woman's life changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But she found a unique way to battle back.

Doris "Tami" Dabney followed the advice of doctors and got a mammogram in January 2022. But by June, she knew something was wrong.

She found a large mass on June 22. Nervous about the painful lump, she eventually went to the doctor later in the day.

"I was diagnosed on June 23," she said. "Usually, the type that I have, inflammation breast cancer, they don't find it until, like, fourth stage. But I found mine third stage."

Doctors suggested that she get a second opinion, but the level of care and comfort she found in Wen C. Liang, D.O., FACOS, with The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy calmed her frazzled nerves, and she knew that's who she wanted to treat her along the road to recovery.

"The care has been very important to me. I know we're talking about a cure, but when you go through this, you need care," Dabney said.

Breast surgeon Dr. Liang says emotional, financial and mental support are paramount when a person is battling cancer, but the diagnosis is not a death sentence.

"They need to know that breast cancer is very treatable these days," said Dr. Liang.

Dabney has found the support she never knew she needed, by simply being transparent.

"One night, I couldn't sleep. And I just starting documenting from June 16 until that point," she said.

Her charismatic videos turned into an online diary of sorts, building a community of people who just wanted to see her happy.

As her body heals, she said she's thankful for her team of doctors who have always accommodated her needs and her family, friends, sorority sisters, church members, and her friends online for their unwavering support.

"I never really thought about my village until this. And everybody that I told about it was so accommodating. They were at my aid," she said.

View Mercy breast surgeon Dr. Wen Liang's interview regarding the importance of support for breast cancer patients.