By Kristina G. Aderhold

When cancer returned after a fifteen-year break, avid fisherwoman Debra Hengst, 66, from San Antonio initially went into denial. She had just started a new job, and the weight of the stress led her to make a difficult choice: she decided to keep it to herself.

Before her new role began, Debra had taken time off to recharge and catch up on medical and personal appointments, including her annual mammogram. When she did not receive those results as quickly as usual, a call confirmed her fears. A suspicious finding necessitated an immediate biopsy.

A Second Diagnosis While Starting Fresh

“Not again!” Debra exclaimed when her doctor confirmed that breast cancer had returned. This time it was invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. It was in the same breast as the first time, yet in a different location. The first time she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a common type of breast cancer. She was floored when she got the news again. How could this happen right as she was embarking on a new career path?

The pressure was immense. Debra felt compelled to balance rigorous medical appointments with the demands of learning a new job and building relationships with new clients. She was relieved that Dr. Amy Lang and Dr. Sylvia Zubyk at The START Center for Cancer Care did not hesitate to take her back as a patient again. Fearful of letting her employer down, she kept her diagnosis quiet but with the support and constant urging of both of her best friends she pursued an appointment with surgeon Dr. Steven M. Abbatt at The START Center for Cancer Care. Both of her friends accompanied her to the appointment.

She then had to undergo a lumpectomy followed by six radiation treatments. The response from her employer was overwhelming. Her colleagues were warm and encouraging, telling her they wished she had confided in them earlier so she would not have had to carry the burden alone.

Debra ringing the bell, May 2026

Ringing the bell at the end of her treatment was a deeply emotional milestone, marking the end of a long, challenging chapter.

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation: A Partner in the Journey

Debra’s connection to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation spans over a decade. When she first faced cancer in 2011, ThriveWell provided her with financial assistance. She also became a member of our Diva program, which provides free community wellness offerings, including exercise, support, and nutrition classes.

The impact of ThriveWell’s mission extended to her family as well.  When her father faced a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020, he received essential help with transportation to and from his daily radiation appointments.

Reflecting on her experience, Debra says that without ThriveWell, “things would be very different.” For her, ThriveWell Cancer foundation is a true game changer. Today, with her treatments behind her, Debra is enjoying her new job and finding joy in her volunteer work with San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition, a local Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) program for feral cats in San Antonio.

 

 

You Can Make a Difference

Every dollar you commit to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation goes directly toward supporting patients and survivors. Please consider a donation today to ensure that no one in our community has to face cancer alone. Together, we can provide the help and hope that makes a lasting difference.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and during every month, we are reminded of the neighbors in our community who are navigating this journey right now.