When Miranda turned 50, she envisioned celebrating the milestone with a toast to new beginnings. Instead, her birthday brought an unexpected twist: a stage 1, grade 3 breast cancer diagnosis.
Miranda had always been diligent about her health, regularly attending mammograms and gynecological appointments. But when her latest mammogram raised concerns, everything changed. A biopsy confirmed the worst, leaving her in disbelief. "I couldn’t process it," Miranda recalled. "It didn’t feel real."
Despite the shock, Miranda chose to view this as a journey rather than a tragedy. With a positive mindset, she resolved to face cancer with inner strength, seeking emotional healing on her own. "I needed to heal emotionally on my own," she explained.
Finding the right care team was crucial to Miranda. She wanted more than just another doctor’s appointment; she wanted to feel heard, seen, and supported. After researching her options, she chose Astera Cancer Care and was introduced to Dr. Seeta Trivedi, her oncologist. From the very first meeting, Miranda knew she had found a compassionate professional who would treat her as an individual, not just a patient. Dr. Trivedi, along with the entire Astera team, provided the support and guidance Miranda needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
Astera Cancer Care’s holistic approach was evident in every aspect of Miranda’s experience. From the administrative team to the nurses, phlebotomists, and doctors, Miranda felt supported at every step. The administrative staff ensured smooth scheduling, easing the burden of appointments. The nurses were compassionate and attentive, always taking the time to listen and provide emotional support. Even during stressful moments like blood draws, the phlebotomists made Miranda feel at ease with their friendly and professional approach. The doctors took the time to explain her treatment options in detail, involving her in every decision and empowering her to take control of her care.
Dr. Trivedi’s compassionate approach made a significant impact on Miranda, helping her through the ups and downs of treatment. But cancer wasn’t her only challenge. The financial strain of her diagnosis left Miranda unable to keep up with rent, causing her and her children to lose their home. As if managing cancer wasn’t hard enough, Miranda found herself moving between family and friends' homes while undergoing treatment. It was a whirlwind of uncertainty.
Recognizing the additional burden, Dr. Trivedi referred Miranda to Astera’s social work team. With their help, Miranda was able to stabilize her life and regain a sense of security. "I don’t know what I would have done without them," she confessed. "I was at my breaking point."
Miranda credits both her care team and her “hardcore” family for helping her through the most difficult moments. She believes compassion is a key element of healing and is committed to spreading this message.
Miranda’s journey has also motivated her to advocate for better resources for cancer patients, including the need for more patient advocates in care settings. "It’s not just about making patients' lives easier," she said. "It helps doctors, too."
Today, Miranda continues her fight with strength and resilience. She finds solace in cooking and painting, having undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and now radiation. Through it all, she maintains the belief that cancer didn’t happen to her—it happened for her. "I’ve learned to see this journey as something that shaped me, not something that defeated me," she shared.