Mishawaka breast cancer patient diagnosed on 50th birthday

October 22, 2010|By Alyssa Rossomme (arossomme@wsbt.com)

MISHAWAKA—Everyone who works with Sue Ceglarek remembers her 50th birthday.

“It was very sad, because it was her 50th birthday when she found out. The day of her 50th birthday, I remember that very vividly,” said Judy Horner, her co-worker.

Ceglarek has not forgotten either.

“My birthday, Jan. 3, about 3:30 in the afternoon I got a phone call from the doctor's office that they wanted to see us in his office today ... and I knew it probably wasn't good,” she recalls.

Sue's doctor said her recent mammogram showed breast cancer.

“Of course we were totally shocked and didn't know what to say, what to do, other than cry, and try to figure out our next game plan,” said Ceglarek.

That's where a team from Michiana Hematology and Oncology came in.

“She is probably one of the strongest patients I’ve known,” said her oncologist, Dr. Bilal Ansari. “She decided I’m going to be there, I’m going to fight this cancer.”

The doctors made a plan for treating Ceglarek, and her co-workers supported her along the way, with visits and care packages.

“We all pulled together. We did a good job, teamed together and tried to help her as much as possible,” said Horner.

After a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, Ceglarek eventually beat the cancer.

“She had no signs of cancer, she's cancer free, living her life,” said Dr. Ansari. He said he loves his job because he helps save the lives of people like Sue. He added everyone can save a life by encouraging a woman they know to get a mammogram.

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