Nadra Conner’s Story
Nadra Conner
OCSRI is dedicated to honoring those who have navigated the adversities of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Each survivor’s story is a testament to their resilience, strength and the support they received from their communities and caregivers. OCSRI aims to provide support at every stage, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, and to inspire others by sharing the incredible stories of cancer survivors.
Introduction:
My name is Nadra Conner, and I’m a Cancer Survivor. You just never know how you are going to react when you hear the word cancer associated with you. All of the emotions… I think I felt them all in the first 30 minutes. I had 2 fairly young boys and an amazing husband when I was first diagnosed. The second time I was diagnosed they were a little older and could understand better and they were all so brave, but I knew they were scared. I was worried and afraid when I walked through the doors of OSCRI as a patient for the first time.
My journey has varied over the past several years. As a patient, I was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer in June 2014. I saw Dr. Daron Street immediately. Fortunately, no treatment was needed. Dr. Street made me feel comfortable and reassured me. He let me cry and he comforted me. He spoke in terms that I understood. There is not another GYN oncologist like Dr. Street.
Diagnosis:
In October 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer, and it rocked my world. Soon after I was over the initial shock, I reached out to Dr. Kevin Weibel to see if she would be my oncologist. I had always said that if I was ever diagnosed with breast cancer, I would not want anyone other than Dr. Weibel treating me. I saw her for my first appointment shortly after my surgery. She thoroughly explained everything and based on the pathology report it looked like the standard of care for me would be radiation. All my follow up visits with Dr. Weibel were always just like visiting with a friend. She cares deeply for her patients, and it comes through when she talks to us. I still have some of her handwritten notes about medications and dosages. She is absolutely one of the best physicians around and I am so thankful for her. I always recommend her to any of my friends, especially those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Weibel referred me to Dr. Grenville Jones for radiation. Obviously, I was scared. I knew just enough about radiation to be terrified. Dr. Jones explained each step of what would happen. I was so relieved to find that I was only going to need 20 treatments. After my consult with him, I was sent to have scans done so he and dosimetrists could map out my treatment plan. They made me feel comfortable and tried to reassure me. But, when you are in the middle of this battle, you are on edge about everything. When treatment started, I was treated with such respect. It could have been very uncomfortable with me being on the table with my chest exposed, but the radiation therapists always made sure I was covered where I could be. They were so kind.
Treatment:
Treatment started off pretty well. Besides my scars being tender from the surgery, it wasn’t really that bad. Around day 9, the fatigue was real. Oh my word! I was so tired. My appointments were usually at 4pm in the afternoon so I could go home straight after that. As the days continued, my fatigue got worse. Almost every evening I would go straight to bed after dinner. Dr. Jones had told me about this before I started treatment, but I thought I was going to be superwoman and it wasn’t going to affect me. Boy, was I wrong. I had some slight burning the last week of treatment, but it wasn’t too bad and Dr. Jones and his team had prepared me in case it happened. My fatigue continued for several weeks after treatment.
I have spoken a lot about my incredible physicians. They most certainly deserve all of the praise they can get. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention so many of the staff members. I never had a need that went unmet or a question that went unanswered. The front office staff were always kind and friendly when I arrived and when I was leaving. The nursing staff is absolutely incredible and some of the most compassionate people in the world. The dosimetrists and radiation therapist are brilliant and show so much kindness and dignity to their patients.
Life After Cancer:
Life with cancer is never quite the same. I always say that cancer does not define me, but it sure changed me. Every year my anxiety goes on high alert when it’s time for my mammogram. Every year I cry when I hear the words “all clear”. I am so very thankful for the team of people around me during the worst time in my life. It takes special people to work with patients who are sometimes facing a very daunting diagnosis. But that special group of people at OCSRI gives hope to their patients and their families.
Another year…cancer free…I’ll never take those words for granted. But, if my situation changes, I know exactly where I’ll go. To the best oncology team in the area (and my opinion the world).