A Lifeline for Women's Health
Tracey Williams Knows Early Detection Saves Lives
Brandy York
The Ashland Beacon

Cancer does not discriminate, even when you’re young with a busy, rewarding life ahead of you. Tracy Williams, a wife, mom, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist of Ashland, was no stranger to the “C” word, having a mother who battled premenopausal breast cancer. In fact, she began having routine mammograms at the young age of 32 due to her mother’s medical history, which put Tracy at a higher risk for developing the cancer herself.
Fourteen years into the routine scans, at the age of 46, Tracy had become fairly relaxed about it all, and was so busy with life that she put off getting that year’s mammogram by several months, assuring herself that they were always clear, so why worry now? Why try to squeeze one more thing on the to-do list? Tracy went ahead and found time months later to get the routine mammogram, unaware of how quick something could change from routine to life changing. This routine scan revealed an area of concern, which was almost immediately biopsied, and was proven to indeed be cancerous.
Tracy described the days to come as fast moving, full of other tests and scans to see if the cancer had spread. Surgery came soon after- a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. She was found to have a 2 cm tumor as well as a cancerous lymph node. “The type of cancer I had is the most aggressive type, called triple negative breast cancer,” explained Tracy. “Had I skipped that mammogram I would have most likely had distant metastasis by the time it was known. This cancer is deadly because it spreads rapidly. It also had the highest incidence of recurrence.”

She explained that although she was a nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist, there was still so much she did not know about breast cancer and had so much to learn. One month of radiation, six months of chemo, and recovery from surgery meant no work for a year for Tracy, as she was not able to do heavy lifting or be exposed to sick patients. She was ready to put up a fight, but even the strongest need the love and support of those who have blazed the trail before them, and that is exactly who she found. “I had so many people come to my aid when I was diagnosed. Friends and strangers. Multiple women who had breast cancer previously and they helped guide me,” said Tracy.
The days ahead brought understandable fear of the unknown and anxiety. She recalled, “I was planning my death. Clearing out drawers and giving away things so my husband didn't have to do it later. Organizing so it would be easier for my mom and sister to get what I wanted them to have. Making letters for my son who was a teenager.” Tracy’s friend Kim Blanton was also battling cancer at the same time, and made the eye-opening statement “it will make you crazy if you let it”. That is when she made up her mind that she would take control rather than allowing the emotions to do so, boldly declaring that she was a child of God as she prayed for His healing and mercy.
It’s been several years since she began her battle with breast cancer, and she now has a clean bill of health and a testimony to share. “Praise to God I am almost seven years since diagnosis and I have been given the all clear from all my doctors,” exclaimed Tracy. She has also developed a big heart for those who are faced with the same battle and said she is willing to help them in any way she can, having now been there for dozens of women, simply by giving her phone number to those who could use an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, or guidance and advice. “All I ask is they pass it on just like I have,” she expressed. “I keep a list of things I learned that are helpful that I share with newly diagnosed women; things they need to know in regard to surgery, chemo radiation… things to take care of themselves mentally and physically.”
As previously mentioned, Tracy was blessed with lots of women to walk alongside her during this journey. “All of these ladies had breast cancer prior to me and helped me tremendously.” Apologizing in advance for anyone she forgot to mention, she went on to specifically name Sharon Bronstien, Cindy Goheen, Heather Pack, Tippi Thompson, and of course her mother Linda Lester.
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