CAI Leaders Discuss Their Journeys with Breast Cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, accounting for 30% of all new cancers annually. In 2023, while we were serving on the CAI Board of Trustees, we were diagnosed within months of each other. Early detection is key and why we want to share our stories.

How did you feel when you were first diagnosed? 

Ramsey: Angry and shocked! I was angry I didn’t feel the lumps myself. I was shocked that despite my healthy lifestyle I was diagnosed with cancer. It still bothers me that I knew something wasn’t quite right for two years prior to my diagnosis. Unfortunately, my doctors told me to watch my diet, limit salt, and reduce stress. 

How have you handled being a mentor to women facing breast cancer? 

Ramsey: It gave me purpose. Seeing friends and colleagues get their annual mammograms felt like an accomplishment. Being able to talk and text with so many friends and colleagues gave me energy. 

How did your commitment to health and wellness help you through your journey? 

Ramsey: It made it hard to initially accept I had cancer when nurses would comment on how healthy I was when they checked my vitals. But post-surgery, my health aided my recovery. 

Did you have a support network outside of your family? How did that help you? 

Ramsey: It is extremely hard for me to ask for help, but I needed to lean on others to help me care for my kids. As my recovery progressed, the amount of support was amazing. I truly had an army of people across the country supporting me physically and emotionally. 

What message would you like to share with CAI members? 

Ramsey: Self-care is not selfish. It has taken me almost 20 years to realize this and prioritize my physical and mental health. 

Describe your feelings when treatment ended. 

Towles Gottschalk: After chemotherapy, I was relieved, ecstatic, happy, and confident. The last week of radiation was the hardest week of my treatment.

I was in pain. I had open wounds. I was sad. I felt alone. Radiation is solitary. You’re in a cold room, holding your breath, and scared. 

Was there ever a moment of doubt or uncertainty on your treatment plan? 

Towles Gottschalk: The first few weeks after my diagnosis were filled with doubt. Having seen my mom battle cancer, I vowed I would never subject myself to the inhumane clinical trials that ate away at her. It wasn’t until I met my surgeon that I had complete confidence in my treatment plan. She listened to me, my fears, and most importantly, stopped to give thanks to my mother for making the future better for cancer patients everywhere. 

What is one message you’d like to deliver to someone newly diagnosed? 

Towles Gottschalk: Always advocate for yourself. I knew something was wrong and felt dismissed by my doctor.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ramsey and Towles Gottschalk shared a frank conversation about their experiences. Their discussion has been edited for clarity and space.