Jessica

Diagnosis

Breast Cancer

Physician/Team

Hernan Vargas, MD, FACS

Mary E Zempolich, PA-C, DipACLM, NBC-HWC

My reflections on personal growth, family, and future goals

My name is Jessica, and I’m a mom to two amazing girls—a college freshman and a high school sophomore. Between being a mother and running a law practice with my fiancé that supports an estate planning department at a wealth management firm here in Virginia, my days were always busy. Yet, I made the effort to carve out time for myself, especially in the mornings. I worked out with a strength training group three times a week, which helped me start my days on the right foot before diving into the demands of being a mom, partner, and business owner.

Breast Cancer Changed My Perspective on Life

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

I was diligent about my health. I kept up with regular mammograms and annual check-ups, always staying on top of my appointments. I had no family history of breast cancer, and my last mammogram, taken about a year earlier, had been clear. So when I noticed a lump in early November 2022, I wasn’t initially concerned. However, when it didn’t go away after a few days, I decided to call my gynecologist. I let her know that I was due for my annual mammogram in just a couple of weeks, but she suggested that I go in sooner and gave me an emergency referral. It still took about 3.5 weeks to get in, but by December 2022, I was having my digital mammogram.

Right away, they called me back for additional imaging, then an ultrasound, and before I knew it, I was sitting with the radiologist. She was honest with me, saying they saw some things that were concerning. Then again, since I had no family history, she told me it was likely nothing. Still, better to be safe than sorry. She recommended a biopsy, which I had in early January 2023. On January 13th, I got the call from my gynecologist: it was breast cancer. I was shocked. I had breast cancer at 48 years old, with no family history, and I never expected it.

I had breast cancer at 48 years old, with no family history, and I never expected it.

Finding the Best Cancer Care Team

I knew I needed to gather the best possible medical team. My gynecologist gave me referrals, but I also reached out to a close friend who had been a stage 4 survivor for over ten years. Following up, I met with a medical oncologist and a breast surgeon. However, while the consultations were helpful, I didn’t feel the connection I was hoping for. I sought more referrals and ended up meeting with Dr. Vargas at Virginia Cancer Specialists.

Within the first five minutes of meeting him, he not only made it clear that he understood the cancer side of treatment, but he also took the time to ask what was important to me. He respected my wishes to preserve my physical appearance and understood my anxiety about recurrence. That level of respect and understanding made me trust him, and I knew that day he was the right doctor for me.

I also knew I wanted to undergo breast reconstruction, but when I met with a highly recommended plastic surgeon in the area, it didn’t go well. I felt dismissed, like he wasn’t listening to me. I ended up calling Dr. Vargas, and he recommended a plastic surgeon who was a much better fit. I’m grateful for the wonderful group of doctors and specialists who took care of me during this emotional time.

Working During Cancer Treatment

 When it came time to tell my team at work about my cancer diagnosis, I didn’t hide it. I thought it was important to share what was happening. I sent an email explaining my diagnosis and the plan moving forward. My team was incredibly supportive, and it gave me a sense of purpose to continue working during treatment, even if it meant reducing my capacity.

Still, I didn’t take much time off work between the diagnosis and my double mastectomy. Looking back, I think it was a mistake. The weeks leading up to the surgery were filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and endless doctor’s appointments and phone calls. It felt like a part-time job just trying to keep track of everything. I was in the middle of making decisions I never thought I’d have to face, and the exhaustion from those decisions alone was overwhelming. I wish I had given myself more grace to process what was happening. And when I began treatment, things didn’t slow down. There were weekly appointments, chemotherapy, and a 20-week treatment plan that demanded my attention.

But my colleagues were there for me every step of the way. Ultimately, work did provide me with the distraction I needed. Having the support of my team and the knowledge that I had something meaningful to wake up to every day gave me the strength to keep moving forward, even when I was exhausted.

A Change in Perspective

Breast cancer changed my perspective on life in ways I never expected. Before the diagnosis, life felt more certain. I look at it now as before cancer and after cancer, and the two are completely different. Once I heard the words, “You have cancer,” everything shifted. Even though the doctors reassured me that they caught it early and everything would likely be fine, the reality of hearing that diagnosis was life-changing.

The experience also made me realize just how much we take our health for granted. Cancer forces you to confront your own mortality, and it’s not something you can ignore. There’s no going back to the way things were before. It shifts how you view everything—your priorities, your time, and what really matters. The treatment, the decisions, the uncertainty—it reshaped how I think about life. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about understanding that life is unpredictable, and sometimes we need to make room for the unknown.

Breast cancer shifted my perspective in a way that made me realize life is fragile, but it also taught me to prioritize what’s truly important, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful.

Finding a Cancer Support System

That being said, having a good support system made all the difference. My fiancé and my girls were amazing, helping me stick to a routine and encouraging me to keep showing up, even if I couldn’t be exactly the same as before. My parents were constantly checking in, and I had friends who sent little gifts, texts, and words of encouragement. One of the moms from my older daughter’s soccer team even organized a meal train for us, which I initially resisted, but in hindsight, it was a lifesaver. It gave me more time to spend with my family.

I also connected with people in the cancer community, particularly on social media. Even though I didn’t know them personally, it was inspiring to talk to people who were going through the same thing. They helped me keep hope alive, and that was a big part of my journey.

Navigating Life After Cancer Treatment

Looking ahead, I know I’ve been forever changed by this experience. I want to use my experience to help others. One of my goals is to mentor others who are in the later stages of cancer treatment. I think there’s a lot of focus on the active treatment phase, but the aftermath—the physical changes, the emotional toll—deserves more attention. It’s something we don’t talk about enough, and I’d love to help others navigate that.

I’m also focused on expanding our law practice, enjoying time with my family, and watching my girls grow. We try to travel as a family when we can because going through cancer really gives you a new perspective on time. You never know how much you have, so you have to make the most of it.

If there’s one thing I’d say to others going through something like this, it’s to make sure you have a strong team around you. But also remember to take time for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of doctor appointments and decisions, but you deserve time to process everything and take care of your own well-being too. You don’t have to go through it alone—ask for help, and lean on the people who want to support you.