Yudie Leibovitz is no stranger to breast cancer. She’s fought it – and beat it – twice.
“The first diagnosis was in 1996; I was only 39 years old,” recalled Yudie. “The second time was in 2018. I had a lot going on at the time, including planning a party for my brother. It was very overwhelming.”
Her primary physician was on leave, so she called the Dr. Richard G. and Carol Caldwell Breast Health Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. A nurse helped her schedule an appointment for a mammogram early the following Monday.
“After the mammogram, I met with Dr. Anna Katz, a breast surgical oncology specialist at Advocate Lutheran General. She said there was a highly suspicious spot on my mammogram images and recommended a biopsy.”
Yudie, a retired nurse, wasn’t that surprised when the biopsy results showed she had cancer again.
“The cancer was in the same breast as before. I’d had radiation therapy in 1996 and suffered burns during treatment. Needless to say, I wasn’t really in the mood for another round of cancer treatment,” she shared.
Yudie was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy.
Finding support and connections
While in the waiting room one day, Yudie saw a flyer for the Cancer Survivorship Center at Advocate Lutheran General. The Center is the first stand-alone, hospital-affiliated survivorship center in Illinois. It provides comprehensive, holistic support for patients, family members and caregivers throughout their care.
“A friend who lives out of state had been telling me there was likely a place I could go for additional support. I was losing my hair during chemo, so I made an appointment at the Center to get fitted for a wig. I was nervous going in, but everyone was so kind and helpful. I tried on different wigs to see what would fit my face best.”
The staff at the Center also offered Yudie some warm hats because patients undergoing chemo can get cold.
“I’m usually a hot-blooded person, so I couldn’t imagine being cold, but they were right,” she said. “It was very thoughtful.”
In addition to wigs and hats, the Center offers classes and programs designed to focus on the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients, family members and caregivers.
“The first class I signed up for was chair yoga, which was taught by Nina. I went by myself, and everyone in the class welcomed me with open arms and made me feel so comfortable. I also did a swim class with Kasha, Zumba, art, plant therapy, book club and reflexology. I learned so much and met a lot of great friends.”
Then the COVID pandemic hit, and all the classes moved to a virtual format.
“I’m so grateful we had Zoom because I was able to stay connected and continue the classes,” shared Yudie. “Sometimes I’d meet my friends on Zoom and we’d just talk – not only about cancer but also about our personal lives, our children, our families and things we could celebrate. We’ve all become pretty close both in class and outside of it.”
How you can help
The Cancer Survivorship Center and its programs and services are only possible because of the generosity of donors.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who supports the Center. It’s such a valuable resource for people dealing with cancer,” said Yudie. “It’s not a club you want to join, but the Center and the wonderful people who work there help you make the best of it. It’s a place where you can be yourself and know that there are others who understand what you’re going through.”
To make sure people like Yudie get the support they need during and after cancer treatment, please make a gift today.