Choosing Faith Over Fear, Leaning on Family and Community, and Trusting Her Inner Voice

Bobbie discovered her strength and reclaimed her life while healing from breast cancer.

At age 58, Roberta (Bobbie) Ruskowski was vigilant about getting her routine screenings. This was the year for a regular mammogram and colonoscopy. With no family history of cancer, and after nursing eight children early in life, she never suspected a problem. 

Shortly after her mammogram in early October, her doctor requested repeat imaging, which she quickly scheduled. The imaging in fact turned out to be concerning and she was able to get an expedited appointment the very next day for a biopsy. 

Bobbie cleared her calendar and went for the biopsy, as ordered.  Two days later, she received the shocking news that she had breast cancer.

Her world changed in an instant and her head was spinning, but Bobbie acted quickly.  

She met with Dr. Anna Mazor, Breast Surgeon at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, along with a team on oncologists, the reconstructive and plastic surgeon, nurse navigators, geneticists, lymphedema therapists, and others who would coordinate her care.

Bobbie appreciated how seamlessly her appointments were arranged, allowing her to meet with every physician on her care team in a single day. Every question was answered. Every concern was addressed. When she met with Dr. Sheen Jain, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, Bobbie felt certain that she was in capable hands.

From that first day, Bobbie felt an overwhelming sense of empathy and compassion, putting her at ease. Every doctor she met held her hands in comfort, encouraging her not to be fearful. There wasn't a doubt she'd be treated with respect and confidence throughout her healing journey. 

With it being such an important life decision, Bobbie sought a second opinion. That experience felt much less personal and the proposed treatment plan just wasn’t sitting right with her.

Bobbie knew deep down, the path she was being called to follow. Trusting her heart, listening to her inner voice, and feeling a connection with everyone she met, Bobbie chose Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper.

Twenty days before Christmas, Bobbie returned home (same day) after a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. In addition to the support of her eight siblings, one being her twin sister, Bobbie also leaned on her eight children, her husband, her friends, her neighbors, and her community. Redeemer Health Home Care also arranged for a visiting nurse, which gave her added comfort when she needed it most. 

Bobbie never looked back. Having undergone the double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery followed by chemotherapy, this allowed doctors to confirm five spots (instead of two, as originally suspected). Doctors were also able to tailor her chemotherapy and radiation treatments to target the exact types of tumors she had.  

With so many family members close by at all different stages of life, Bobbie and her husband are blessed with endless opportunities for joyful family celebrations – none of which she wanted to miss.

Cancer wouldn’t get in her way. Bobbie’s nurse navigator was able to synchronize all of her appointments on the same day. And her medical oncologist planned her treatments so that she would be able to attend her son’s bridal shower in January and shortly after, make memories at his wedding in March. By June, while undergoing radiation therapy, Bobbie watched with pride as her youngest graduated high school and weeks later, went off to college.  

“Faith over fear” remains Bobbie’s mantra, providing her with strength and clarity in every aspect of her life. Combined with the love and encouragement of everyone in her support system, this is what got her through. If she had pain, or felt her confidence wavering, she would go outside and get fresh air. 

One night, her children surprised her by taking her out for a walk in the neighborhood. Within minutes, Bobbie felt an overwhelming sense of joy and emotion as they pointed out that her entire neighborhood was lit up in pink, including the church across the street, in support of her breast cancer recovery.

Bobbie finished her last immunotherapy treatment over one year ago. As she reflects on her experience, she can honestly say that she was grateful for every bit of care she received from Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper. With her nurse navigator, radiation therapists, infusion nurses, and others by her side, she knew she would always get the attention, compassion, and hope she needed along the way.

At the recommendation of her care team, Bobbie remains committed to nurturing her emotional well-being, engaging in self-care practices offered by Redeemer Health to support her long-term healing, recovery, and survivorship.

Guided by courage, faith, and the nurturing love of family, friends, and community, Bobbie was able to reclaim her life and find a strength she never knew she had.

Learn more about breast cancer services at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.