Two-time Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story and Wisdom

Melody Fielder Wong learned a lot about living with cancer when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer beginning in December 2015. She had two surgeries, followed by radiation, which resulted in lymphedema and cellulitis. In 2022 she received the “all clear” sign and was relieved with her cancer-free status—but it was short lived. After her regular mammogram one year later, Melody was called back for further imaging to learn she had breast cancer once again. This time she had a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and was prescribed an oral hormone therapy medication. Now, after experiencing the gamut of treatments and some complications, Melody is sharing her story and sage advice for others facing a cancer diagnosis.

“Above all, I am an absolute proponent of monthly breast cancer self-checks and annual mammograms,” said Melody. “Both times my cancer was found early because I was diligent about getting my screenings. In fact, my first diagnosis was stage zero ductal carcinoma in situ, but just two months later they found it had progressed to an invasive form of stage one cancer when I went in for my lumpectomy.”

Melody also believes in finding a medical team you trust at a facility where you feel at ease and comfortable, like she did at Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS). Dr. William Dugoni, medical director of the WHHS Women’s Center, was her oncological surgeon; Dr. Carlton Scharman was her hematologist-oncologist; and plastic surgeon Dr. Prasad Kilaru performed her reconstructive surgery. “Even when our medical insurance plan changed, I chose to stay with my medical team because they knew me so well and really collaborated on my care,” she recalled.

“In addition to excellent doctors, the nurses and support staff at WHHS are friendly and know me by name when I arrive. Attending appointments is like going to see friends,” shared Melody. She especially appreciates the oncology nurse navigators who schedule all her appointments and are available to answer questions by phone or email. One time when Melody was having complications on a visit to Iowa, she went to the Emergency Department at the local university medical center. They were unfamiliar with her cellulitis condition, and when she asked to speak to a breast cancer nurse navigator or support group facilitator, she was surprised to learn they did not staff those positions.

Melody also recommends that cancer patients bring a support person to the hospital with them when possible. She is grateful to her 28-year-old son Benjamin who accompanied her on appointments, taking notes during the doctors’ consultations and ensuring all their questions were addressed. He was also invaluable driving her to appointments and chemotherapy visits and providing love and support throughout. When Melody was feeling especially bad at home or not eating after treatments, it was Benjamin who called the nurse navigator or convinced her to be seen in the Emergency Department. Now that Melody is healing and nearly a year out from her last chemo treatment, she jokes that when she arrives for follow-up appointments, Hospital staff members always look behind her and ask where her entourage is.

Melody is proud of how she “rocked her bald head” after she had it shaved when hair loss resulted from her chemotherapy treatments. “At first I was afraid of losing my hair, but having cancer really made me step out of my comfort zone and see how strong I really was,” she recalled.

Once again cancer free, Melody is giving back to breast cancer patients in the community. She takes phone calls from cancer patients to help support them and provide advice based on her experiences. Melody and Benjamin continue to attend the WHHS Breast Cancer Support Group that meets the first Thursday of each month. Their input and support is a great asset to those who attend this free in-person meeting that addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of being diagnosed and living with breast cancer.

To learn more about the Women’s Center at Washington Hospital and their comprehensive breast screening and cancer services, go to whhs.com/BreastHealth. For more information on other WHHS cancer services and cancer support groups, visit whhs.com/Cancer.