10/04/2024
Carol Mackin’s experience with triple-negative breast cancer has fueled her mission to give back to her community and encourage others to prioritize their health.
April 8, 2023, started like any other Saturday for Carol Mackin. She was looking forward to spending the day hiking with her community club in Clinton, N.Y. However, during a morning shower, Carol felt something unfamiliar — a lump in her breast.
“I thought, ‘That’s not right,’ ” Carol, 63, recalled. “I waited a few days, hoping it would go away, but it didn’t.”
The following Tuesday, Carol called her longtime primary care provider, Lisa Browne, PA, who could see her that day.
“It was divine; it set me on a path of making choices that have been wonderful,” Carol said. “Everything fell into place.”
Carol quickly had a mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI and biopsy. The results were life changing: She had triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease.
“It was shocking!” Carol said. “I live a healthy life with no family history of breast cancer. It was never on my radar.”
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Getting diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer
Carol’s first instinct was to travel to New York City for treatment. However, after talking with a trusted friend and doctor, she decided to stay local, a decision she would come to cherish.
She met with Dr. Lisa D. Curcio, breast surgical oncologist and director of the breast program at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
“Dr. Curcio was honest and thorough,” Carol said. “She explained that triple-negative breast cancer is aggressive, but she reassured me when she said: ‘We have a plan for you, and we are here to support you.’ That meant everything.
“I was numb for about a day, realizing it was an aggressive cancer,” Carol said. “But I didn’t want to dwell on it. The next day, I focused on what to do about it.”
Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator Alecia Brophy helped with that.
“Alecia did everything for me. I didn’t make any appointments throughout my treatment,” Carol said. “Alecia’s support helped me cope and not worry about the other difficulties of having breast cancer that cause anxiety.”
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Treatment for triple-negative breast cancer
Carol’s treatment plan started with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to shrink the tumor.
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“Chemo was rough. I developed hypothyroidism, which has side effects that mirror those of chemo — I had twice the fatigue, twice the digestive issues and I was freezing,” Carol said. “Chemo was much more manageable after I started taking medication for my thyroid.”
Carol persevered through difficult treatment side effects: She had acid reflux and lost her hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.
“The hardest thing was the fatigue,” said Carol, who is used to being active and hiking. “It wasn’t easy, but I kept reminding myself that I was getting closer to a cure every day.”
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Despite the challenges, Carol’s strength grew as her tumor shrunk.
“Dr. Curcio explained that the initial three-inch tumor shrunk to the size of a pencil point. I knew I was winning,” she said.
On November 1, 2023, Dr. Curcio performed a lumpectomy at Northern Dutchess Hospital. The surgery involved a sentinel lymph node biopsy, oncoplastic closure and reconstruction of both breasts so they were the same size.
Oncoplastic surgery combines the techniques of traditional breast cancer surgery with the cosmetic advantages of plastic surgery.
“We were thrilled to confirm the cancer hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes,” Dr. Curcio said. “Carol’s surgery was successful, and her outcome was positive.”
Next, Carol had 20 daily radiation treatments at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
“I handled it well, with no major side effects,” Carol shared.
The final piece of her treatment was more immunotherapy to prevent recurrence.
Carol focused on planning her first trip to Europe and going after finishing immunotherapy.
“That gave me a lot of energy,” Carol said.
Her care team also helped her through treatments.
“My care team became everything to me, from weekly infusions to daily radiation treatments, visits with Dr. Curcio and regular communication with Alecia over nearly a year and a half.”
Overcoming aggressive breast cancer fuels life’s purpose
Carol has found purpose in her experience by sharing it to help others.
Prioritize preventive healthcare and wellness
“I encourage others to get their screening mammograms,” Carol said. “Women tend to be busy and put their needs last. You can better help others if you are healthy, so please take care of yourself.”
“Even if you feel well, get regular healthcare checkups and screenings,” Carol said. “I felt vibrant and young; breast cancer was not on my radar at all.”
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Share how you are feeling during cancer treatment
She also wants others to know it is OK to tell your doctors how you feel.
“At first, I didn’t want to be a complainer or whiner. But my care team genuinely wanted to hear everything about how I was feeling, and they helped me through it,” Carol said. “I had a bag of pills at one point, but they worked!” Carol said.
“Even share your emotional stuff. I’m not one to feel sorry for myself, but I had some tough days. They were there for me, and I felt stronger after I visited them,” Carol said.
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Thankful after surviving triple-negative breast cancer
Carol is grateful for the support from her community.
“I received cards and letters from the community weekly. I kept them by my bed and read them during difficult times,” Carol said.
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“As the town clerk, my mission has always been to help people. I have even more energy now to show up for my community and be available to them.”
Carol has volunteered with the “Light the Village Pink” initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for the Northern Dutchess Hospital breast program. The Town of Clinton continues to be there for Carol by supporting the monthlong event — passing a proclamation naming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Visit nuvancehealth.org/lightthevillagepink to get involved.
She wants to thank her husband, two sons, family and friends for their support. She is also thankful for the Nuvance Health Cancer Institute and breast cancer teams at Northern Dutchess Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
“Staying local was the best decision I made. My care team saved my life, emotionally and physically,” Carol said.
One and a half years after finding a breast lump, Carol made it to Europe! She enjoyed her first trip abroad, feeling happy and well and with a full life ahead.
Disclaimer: Outcomes from breast cancer vary from person to person. No individual results should be seen as typical.