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Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital breast cancer survivor shares journey of hope and resilience
When Donya Russell first noticed pain in her left breast, she didn’t imagine it would lead to a breast cancer diagnosis. But after seeing her physician at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital and undergoing diagnostic imaging, Russell learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma – a type of breast cancer which accounts for 80% of all cases.
After discussing treatment options with her oncology team, Russell was prepared to undergo a partial mastectomy followed by radiation. Her pathology results following the surgery revealed the cancer was advanced and had spread to her lymph nodes. Russell’s team quickly pivoted and informed her chemotherapy would be necessary.
“Finding out I needed chemo was one of the hardest moments,” said Russell. “I thought I could handle everything else, but that was overwhelming. Still, I knew I would get through it — I just didn’t want to lose my hair after already losing my breast.”
One month after surgery, Russell began chemotherapy and six months later started radiation. Russell completed the final step in her treatment plan on August 11, exactly eight months after her treatment journey began. She now has no evidence of the disease.
“Donya had an extremely positive attitude and truly focused on completing her cancer treatment, and she was very engaged and proactive in her journey,” said Dr. Priya Ramshesh, medical oncologist and medical director of Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands. “We know the risk of neuropathy [a condition that damages nerves] is higher in African American breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. With that in mind, my team and I customized Donya’s treatment plan to reduce the likelihood of neuropathy and keep her symptoms to a minimum.”
Ramshesh explained that Russell’s cancer was fueled by estrogen, so the team included an anti-estrogen pill as an added safeguard against the cancer returning. This therapy blocks the hormone that fed her cancer while keeping side effects to a minimum and is something she will take for several years following chemotherapy and radiation.
At Houston Methodist, every cancer patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their diagnosis, and each hospital offers a full range of oncology services close to home. For Russell, that meant the coordinated support of an oncology nurse navigator, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pharmacists, nurses and dedicated support services.
“I never walked this journey alone,” said Russell. “From my doctors to my nurses, to the pharmacist who explained every medication and side effect, to the volunteers who checked on us – everyone cared for me and my family with such kindness. They answered my questions before I even thought to ask them, and always in terms I could understand.”
Houston Methodist Oncology Nurse Navigator Regina Batza says this level of support is purposeful.
“We connect patients with the right specialists, answer questions and encourage them to take advantage of our system resources like support groups, dietitians, chaplains and our oncology social work team,” said Batza. “Care at Houston Methodist is about treating the whole person – physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
During her treatment, Russell began attending the breast cancer support group and still attends today as a survivor.
“The first time I went, I was so afraid,” said Russell. “But hearing from women who were further along gave me hope that one day cancer would just be a chapter in my past – something I didn’t think about every day. Now I go back to encourage others and to tell them they can get through it too.”
Today, Russell is focused on continued healing, supporting other patients and sharing her story by writing a book about her journey with breast cancer.
“I want others to know that even in the chaos of cancer there is still joy to be found,” she said. “I’m always a glass half-full person, and I can’t wish this never happened because of the closeness it brought my family and the lessons I’ve learned.”
Russell’s message to others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is simple but urgent: “Don’t skip your mammogram. I was behind on mine, and while we caught it early, it could have been even earlier. No one likes getting a mammogram, but it can save your life.”
Houston Methodist offers a wide range of resources for breast cancer patients across Houston, including:
- Genetic Counseling
- Breast Cancer Support Groups
- Oncology Social Work Services
- Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy
- Nutrition Consultations
- HEAL Program for Survivorship (Health Education and Learning)
For more information about Houston Methodist, visit our newsroom or our social media pages on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok or our On Health and Leading Medicine blogs.
Source: Houston Methodist
