Nurse Fights Breast Cancer Side-by-Side with Bryan Family

Crystal Livingston understands the importance of scheduling her annual mammogram. With almost a quarter of a century working in health care, she knows quite well that as a woman over 40 years old, doctors recommend she receive a mammogram every year. 

Usually, Crystal schedules her mammogram each October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But in September 2022, she fortunately felt compelled to perform a self-examination in the shower.

“Immediately, I knew I had found something that wasn’t normal and hadn’t been there before,” Crystal said.

Less than one week later, her fears were confirmed: she had Stage 1 breast cancer.

A Thorough Treatment Plan

Crystal, a registered nurse and administrator of the Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center at Bryan East Campus, immediately sought treatment within the Bryan network. She met with specialists at the Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, including an oncologist, surgeon and nurse navigator. Dr. Rachel Jendro, a breast surgical oncologist and chief medical director of the Multidisciplinary Clinic, led her treatment plan.

The Multidisciplinary Clinic is a place for breast cancer patients to receive efficient care. The benefits of the clinic include:

• Patients see specialists all in one day, instead of spread out over time.
• Patients leave with a concrete treatment plan.
• Patients can start treatment soon.

Although her health care team felt positive about her outcome, Crystal still felt overwhelmed by the uphill climb in front of her. She said the entire team at the Multidisciplinary Clinic gave her valuable information that provided her comfort and understanding as to what was happening around her.

“There is a lot of fear and anxiety because so much is unknown,” Crystal said. “One thing that I really felt was a loss of control. But as you start to work through that, you meet people who will help you.”

Dr. Jendro said she and her team strive for transparency while working with a patient and their family to ease their fears.

“It can be very scary after a breast cancer diagnosis,” Dr. Jendro said. “Patients often wonder what this means for them and their family. They also wonder about their outcome. It’s so important to provide comfort and calm and explain to them what’s going on and how we can treat this diagnosis.”

Less than one month after the diagnosis, Dr. Jendro performed a successful double mastectomy, with reconstruction, on Crystal at Bryan West Campus. The surgery was a success, as Crystal recovered quickly, attending the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk just three days after having both breasts removed.

At the time of her surgery, Crystal also had a biopsy to determine if the cancer had spread. This procedure indicated the cancer was aggressive. Crystal’s medical oncologist recommended she undergo four rounds (12 weeks) of chemotherapy. Given her age and two daughters, Crystal opted for the chemo to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. She completed her regimen in February 2023.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection, like in Crystal’s case, is crucial for breast cancer recovery; Stage 0 and Stage 1 breast cancers have a 99% survival rate. Doctors advise that women should have their first mammogram at 40 years old, though some women may need to start earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.

Dr. Jendro encourages all women to perform self-examinations monthly. If you notice new breast masses, skin changes or nipple discharge, seek further evaluation from your provider.

After her experience, Crystal is an advocate for early screening for all forms of cancer.

“Do that preventative care that we know is tried and true because that will add years to your life,” she said. “It’ll be a better future for you.”

Enjoying Life

Today, Crystal remains active and working, as she did throughout most of her diagnosis and treatment. Crystal is an avid runner and participates in road races. Last May, she finished the Lincoln Half Marathon with her daughter, Berkeley, by her side.

Thanks to her resiliency and the care she received at Bryan, she said she feels like her “pre-cancer” self today.

“It’s crazy when I look back at what I’ve been through since my diagnosis,” Livingston said. “I’ve had an incredible support team, both medically and personally. Today, I feel great. I’m finally back to where I was before this whole journey. I am looking ahead and excited to be cancer-free!”

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