Finding strength in the storm: Confronting the physical and emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis

In November 2022, Melissa Coble, a school nurse at State College Area High School and a wife and mother of two teenage daughters, received a diagnosis that would change her life: breast cancer.

“I was angry,” Coble recalls. “I felt betrayed by my body. I’m young, I’m a runner, I eat healthy. I do all the things. Even with my family history, I thought maybe my lifestyle would protect me. It felt like a slap in the face.”

Taking a toll

Coble’s journey through breast cancer was both physically and emotionally intense. After undergoing a mastectomy in December 2022, she learned that while her lymph nodes were clear, she was still considered high risk for recurrence. Although genetic testing did not reveal any known mutations, Coble’s strong family history of breast cancer — including her mother and great-aunt — suggested there may be hereditary factors at play that current technology has yet to identify. 

To further guide her treatment, Coble underwent Oncotype DX testing, a genomic test that analyzes the tumor itself to predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence and whether chemotherapy would be beneficial. Given her young age and a higher recurrence score, the results indicated that chemotherapy could significantly reduce her risk of the cancer returning. This personalized approach helped shape a treatment plan tailored to her unique risk profile and provided clarity during an otherwise uncertain time.

From January to May 2023, Coble underwent chemotherapy. That September, she completed her reconstruction. Throughout her entire journey, she received care through Geisinger, supported by a team she describes as “seamless and compassionate.” Her care team included breast surgeon Mona Duncan, M.D.; oncologist Nilesh Patel, M.D.; reconstruction surgeon Shawn Devitt, M.D.; and Jen Gallo, PA-C.

“My care was great,” Coble says. “Everyone worked together so well. I truly felt taken care of.”

But the emotional toll was just as significant. 

“At first, I was in denial. I pretended everything was normal,” she says. “After my mastectomy, a nurse gently suggested I talk to someone. I realized I was watching everything happen to me from the outside, like it wasn’t really happening.”

Making a change

Midway through chemo, Coble felt paralyzed by fear — fear that the treatment wouldn’t work and fear of recurrence. That’s when a friend helped her find a therapist who had also faced breast cancer at a young age. 

“I met virtually with my therapist, and it made a huge difference,” she recalls. “I would recommend therapy — virtual or in-person — to anyone going through this. It’s so important to reach out for help.”

“What was beneficial for me was that therapy helped me hold space for two things at once,” Coble says. “Everyone wants to reassure you and make sure you’re not scared or sad. It’s our culture to always stay positive. But I think it was important for me to feel scared, and to know it was OK to be scared and angry — and still be grateful for all that was going well. It also helped with my fear of recurrence, to let myself feel it instead of pushing it away.”

Getting back to her again

Dr. Duncan, the breast surgeon Coble credits with providing exceptional care, reflected on her patient’s journey: “Melissa’s strength throughout her cancer journey was truly inspiring. Her path wasn’t easy, but she met each challenge with courage and determination.”

She also emphasizes the importance of whole-person care. “Supporting the emotional health of our cancer patients is essential,” says Dr. Duncan. “When we integrate mental health resources into oncology care, we empower patients to face their diagnosis with strength, clarity and hope.”

Coble explains what that means to her. “Through therapy, I received an unexpected gift: I gained tools to get through a cancer diagnosis, and they’re tools I now use in everyday life. It’s important to remember it’s not just the person with cancer who needs support — their family and caregivers might need it, too.”

Coble’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability and hope. Her experience is a vivid reminder that breast cancer affects more than just the body — it touches every part of life. And through compassionate care and emotional support, healing becomes possible.