By Courtney McDermott
If you ask Fairfax native Claudia Holmes how she survived a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis she’ll tell you two things: God and a great support system.
The home health nurse and mother of five knew well what it meant to have the support of family in tough times. Not only had she raised a large family, but she also worked with vulnerable patients who depended on her and others for support daily.
In March 2021, Holmes scheduled a mammogram following the discovery of a breast nodule that had “come and gone” over the course of a couple of years.
Always one to perform a monthly breast self-exam, she became concerned when the knot persisted for several months.
“I was taking hormone pills and also loved caffeine and sweets, so I figured I had some fibroids,” said Holmes. “I really didn’t think I had anything to be overly concerned about at my age.”
The mammogram and biopsy confirmed the then 42-year-old had Grade III Estrogen Receptor Positive, Progesterone Receptor Positive, HER2 NEU Receptor Negative, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Right Breast.
Following the biopsy, her now-retired surgeon, Dr. Tim Pearce discussed two options for surgery: mastectomy or lumpectomy paired with radiation. Holmes opted for a lumpectomy paired with radiation. As part of the surgery, lymph nodes were sampled in a procedure known as a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Cancer was present in four of the seven lymph nodes sampled. Based on the findings at the time of surgery, she was referred back to medical oncology to discuss chemotherapy.
Over the course of the next 20 weeks, Holmes completed 16 cycles of chemotherapy. Throughout the process, she maintained a positive attitude and remained focused on overcoming this obstacle. After the completion of chemotherapy, Holmes then met with radiation oncologist Dr. Jonathan Briggs at the Beaufort Memorial Keyserling Cancer Center to discuss the next portion of her treatment.
“Based on her surgical findings, we recommended a course of radiation to treat her breast and regional lymph nodes,” Dr. Briggs said. “She received daily radiation treatments for approximately six weeks and did quite well.”
“Her main side effects were mild fatigue and irritation of the skin,” he added. “She remained positive and strong throughout the therapy, and I believe this helped her do so well.”
“I was always so healthy and rarely had the need to see a doctor,” said Holmes. “I just decided that I couldn’t let this diagnosis get me down.”
Beaufort Memorial Breast Nurse Navigator Erin Bulatao-Hollifield remembers Holmes as being calm, cool and collected throughout her treatment.
“Even if something was bothering her, she would push it aside,” Bulatao-Hollifield said. “She had this driving spirit to get through it and she had a lot to live for, especially her family.”
Knowing she was not prepared to go it alone, Holmes leaned on her family and hospital support network.
Beaufort Memorial’s Breast Health Centers assign navigators to every breast cancer patient they diagnose. From social, emotional and financial support services to coordination with the Cancer Centers’ team of radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, as well as radiation oncologist Briggs and oncology nurse practitioners Susanne Baisch and Katy Jones, communication among the teams was key.
“We make every effort to work side-by-side with our patients and providers and to connect the dots in what can be a complex and overwhelming process,” Bulatao-Hollifield said. “Claudia had a great support system in us, and her family support system played a huge role in her treatment and recovery.”
Holmes recalls that all her kids attended appointments at various times throughout her treatment, and her son, Latron, was with her every step of the way.
“Having a personal support system is ideal, but when patients do not have family or friends nearby, we jump in and fill that role,” Bulatao-Hollifield said.
Fortunately for Holmes, she had both.
“God doesn’t give you more than you can handle,” said the 44-year-old survivor. “My kids are my world, and my support systems at home and at Beaufort Memorial really motivated me to get up every day and do the things I needed to do to get well. That’s why I am here today.”
To learn more about breast cancer signs and symptoms visit beaufortmemorial.org/cancer. To schedule a screening mammogram in Beaufort or Okatie call 843-522-5105.
