Fighting the Long Fight
Sandra Woodward’s Journey in
Finding the Light at the End of the Tunnel
By Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
When Sandra Woodward’s husband passed away in 2021, she didn’t know what was coming next. The last thing she saw coming was her breast cancer diagnosis in January of 2022, which left her reeling with stage 3B breast cancer, a non-hereditary and very aggressive cancer. It was not the news she wanted to hear, but her diagnosis kept her going. Today, she is an inspiration for others undergoing the struggle of a breast cancer diagnosis and reminds us to keep searching for the light all around us.
It all began one day, while conducting an at home exam when Woodward noticed a strange lump, and knew she needed to get it checked out. Soon, Woodward realized this was not going to be a simple removal of the spot, but a journey, and one that she would have to strive toward each day. “Well, the doctor told me they needed to treat me while it [the cancer] was still inside of me, so that they would know how I responded, so if it came back, they would know how to treat it again,” explained Woodward.
From there, Woodward went on to experience two rounds of chemo treatment and radiation for 30 straight days. Every morning, she would get up and go to the hospital, and while it wasn’t easy, her time reminded her of all the good that was still around her in this world.
“I had a group of friends that were there with me, for me at all times. We had lots of dinners and get-togethers and check-ins on the phone and stuff. I had a huge, great support group,” said Woodward. “I was on every prayer list from here to…well, I was on prayer lists around the world, and that meant so much to me.”
Her son, her son’s girlfriend, and her friends were there to take care of her every step of the way. Even her clients, who she had worked with for several years as an insurance agent stepped up to be a supporting light–sending her encouragement and care with everything they did.
Woodward received the majority of her treatment from Precision Cancer, and could not be more appreciative of the encouragement, positivity and care she received every step of the day.
In 2023 Woodward had a clean mammogram and has had a clean one ever since. The cancer was gone. Today Woodward is all about making the best of the present and appreciating what you have in front of you. “If it wasn't for having short hair, now, I wouldn't even notice it when I look in the mirror. I mean, I don't feel changed. I just feel that I had a soft place to land,” expressed Woodward.
It was truly a blessing because I was put into the hands of caring people, “explained Woodward. “I just sing the praises of the type of treatment that people can get here in Ashland. Women are in very good hands.”
Woodward hit a point in her journey where she felt like giving up, but she never did. Now she lives every day surrounded by the people she loves, and proud of her community and the caring hearts that are behind so many smiles.
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