From fear to hope: Jessica's breast cancer journey
When Jessica Sidener was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37, she was overwhelmed with uncertainty and fear. Little did she know, the compassionate care teams at HCA HealthONE Swedish would guide her through her cancer journey by not only providing innovative treatment but by empowering her to take control of her health with hope and confidence.
“I have no doubt, because of my own experience, that women who are going in to get screenings, biopsies, tests for surgery — women who are scared — they are leaving those experiences, feeling supported and cared for,” she said. “Your team truly sees them as a person and not just a patient.”
Jessica’s cancer journey began more than seven years ago when she discovered a lump during a self-exam. She went for a mammogram and met with a nurse navigator who helped lead her through her next steps. Jessica interviewed several surgeons, and once she met with Dr. Laura Hafertepen’s team at HCA HealthONE Swedish, a part of HCA HealthONE, she knew she had a match.
“It took less than five seconds to be, like, I don’t need to talk to anybody else. They were looking at me holistically, not only my physical health but also taking into account my mental health and my personal goals,” she said.
After a successful lumpectomy, Jessica stuck with her annual screenings. For more than seven years, everything was normal. Then, in 2024, during one of her routine MRIs, Jessica’s care team found precancerous cells in the same breast. Dr. Hafertepen met with Jessica and her family to discuss her options. Jessica decided she did not want the stress of worrying about cancer developing. That November, she had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
“It says a lot when you can go into a procedure that’s going to be tough, and instead of worrying, focus on being surrounded by individuals who are supporting me and helping me. From the nurses to the patient care technicians, the surgeons and the anesthesiologists. Each one of them made each step in the process kind of a beautiful thing,” Jessica said.
When postoperative pathology of the removed tissue revealed Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, the team pivoted to ensure there were no other active cancerous cells.
“As soon as cancer was confirmed, we needed to check Jessica’s lymph nodes to inform us of our next steps to provide her best possible outcome. While challenging to do post-op, my team and I located the sentinel nodes — the lymph nodes closest to where her cancer had been — biopsied them and, thankfully, they were negative,” Dr. Hafertepen said.
The multidisciplinary team has helped formulate a strategy to prevent recurrence. While doctors don’t recommend chemotherapy and radiation, they are looking at hormone blocking therapy. Jessica said the team’s diligence and patience in educating her about each step was comforting.
“It’s so easy to feel out of control. Cancer never comes at a good time, but the talent and expertise of this team gently and lovingly put me back in the driver’s seat. I felt empowered,” she said.
Throughout Jessica’s cancer journey, she’s been passionate about sharing her story and educating women on the importance of early detection and connecting with a collaborative care team that puts the whole patient at the center of their care plan, as hers did.
“There are healthcare providers out there who can truly make a difference in one of the most vulnerable times of your life,” Jessica said. “Thank goodness I have the right people to help me.”
Breast cancer care in Denver
Our HCA HealthONE breast cancer specialists are dedicated to supporting you and your family during this difficult time in your life. Starting with diagnosis and treatment, our relationship with you continues through rehabilitation and survivorship. We partner with Sarah Cannon Cancer Center to provide individual, innovative breast care and breast cancer services. Our care teams work individually with you to schedule consultations with specialists — such as breast surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists.
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at 303-253-3225.