By Annette Pinder
Close friends share everything — laughs, stories, good times, and strength during challenging times. Robyn Gilmartin and Jody Czaja, both from Clarence, shared all that and more when they both underwent breast cancer treatment.
Jody was 41 years old when she was diagnosed in 2017 with two types of cancer in the same breast: ductal carcinoma in situ (small and unlikely to spread), and a more aggressive stage 1 triple-negative cancer. Neither she nor anyone in her family had a history of breast cancer. Given her young age and the aggressive form of her cancer, Jody opted to have a double mastectomy. “It wasn’t an easy choice. I was 41 with four kids. I needed to be around for them.”
With support from her breast surgeon, Dr. Helen Cappuccino of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Roswell Park), Jody underwent surgery on January 2, 2018. She did not require chemotherapy, since the tumors were small and fully removed during surgery. Not having enough tissue for breast implant reconstruction surgery, Jody waited six months to rebuild her tissue, and an additional six months to have reconstruction surgery performed by another team outside of Buffalo. When she developed a subsequent infection, she went to Roswell by ambulance. “They fixed me up at Roswell Park. The program here is really incredible.”
Meanwhile, Robyn, who had supported Jody during her journey, felt a lump while taking a shower while away on a business trip. Having had a clear mammogram a few months earlier, she shrugged it off, thinking it would disappear. “I was low risk, healthy, vigilant about getting routine mammograms, and tested negatively for 91 possible genetic mutations. But it didn’t go away.” During an appointment with her OB/GYN a few weeks later, Robyn was advised to get an ultrasound immediately. Two days later, after being diagnosed with triple-negative ductal carcinoma in her breast, she went to Roswell Park where she received a course of treatment that involved chemotherapy and a clinical trial, followed by a double mastectomy. Like Jody, she thought, “If I can take that future risk off the table and look forward to spending time with my children’s kids down the road, I don’t want to be dealing with this later.”
What was particularly unique about Jody and Robyn was that each woman pursued a unique course of treatment after reviewing their options. For Jody, it meant consulting with a surgical team in New Orleans for her reconstructive surgery. For Robyn, it meant an initial surgical consult with Dr. Michael Peyser of Windsong Breast Care who partnered with Dr. Tracy O’Connor and Dr. Shipra Gandhi, breast and clinical oncologists at Roswell Park, and with Dr. Jordan Frey of Erie County Medical Center for reconstructive surgery. Robyn also sent her records to Cleveland Clinic for an impartial review of the recommended treatment plan. “I did it my way, and was blessed with an amazing team who all worked closely together for my benefit. I am so grateful to Dr. Gandhi and the nurses who treated me at Roswell Park, where I was actually the last patient to be admitted into a Phase 1 immunotherapy clinical trial for triple negative breast cancer.”
After completing the clinical trial, Robyn prepared for her surgery as if she were training for a marathon. “I stayed on my Peloton throughout chemo and worked hard to increase my upper body strength. Working out gave me back some control in this crazy journey. The surgery was a success, and involved techniques never performed in Buffalo that left me with all of my nerve sensations intact. You can’t even see my two tiny scars unless I lift my arms. I just went on a 24-mile bike ride last week. I feel strong and happy, and my boobs look amazing.”
Jody and Robyn’s experience not only deepened their friendship, but also their appreciation for their families and friends. Both of their daughters and sons are best friends. Their sons found ways to incorporate pink into their clothes and accessories, and Robyn and Jody made it a point to speak to their daughters about the importance of self-exams and early detection. But, the biggest day for both Robyn and Jody came the morning of their daughters’ graduation from high school in June, when both rang the Roswell Victory Bell. Robyn was jubilant and celebratory, and Jody let tears of relief fall, as they hugged and rang the bell together one more time. “It was so emotional,” says Jody. I wasn’t expecting to feel this way.”
Their advice? Examine yourself, follow-up on anything unusual, get screened, and be your own best advocate!
