The healing power of feeling safe: Heather's breast cancer journey
No woman ever wants to feel a lump in her breast. The emotions that accompany this experience consume you until an answer is found.
That is how Heather Masters, 42, felt when she discovered a lump in her own breast one day. That moment marked the beginning of a life-altering journey — one that would ultimately be defined not by fear, but by strength, resilience and the power of compassionate care.
Heather spent six weeks trying to ignore the lump, hoping it would disappear. But reality set in with a series of medical appointments in which she was “poked, prodded and pictured.” On Aug. 31, 2023, she received the diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma. It was a moment that changed everything.
“I had made up my mind quickly,” Heather recalls. “This would be the last time I would ever let myself and my family go through this. I wanted it taken care of for good.”
As she began seeking opinions, one name kept coming up - Dr. Kayla Griffith, a fellowship-trained specialty-trained breast surgeon focusing on breast cancer, with HCA HealthONE Colorado Breast Cancer Specialists – a part of HCA HealthONE. A close friend had also shared a glowing experience with Dr. Griffith, which gave Heather the confidence to schedule an appointment.
From the moment Heather and her husband met Dr. Griffith and Dana Murphy, FNP-C, at their office near HCA HealthONE Rose, something shifted.
“She walked in, confidently wearing pearls and cowboy boots,” Heather says. “I knew I was in the right place.”
The team eased some of Heather’s fears and worries immediately: “It was the first time that anyone had taken the time to mention to me, ‘You are going to be okay,’ and I was so grateful to hear those simple words.”
Dr. Griffith explained the technical aspects of her cancer (Stage 1B/2A) in a way that was both scientific and understandable. She gave Heather options for treatment, as well as the pros and cons of each. Together, they decided on a double mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction, a procedure that involves removing both breasts, then immediately placing breast implants during the same surgery. Heather felt confident in the decision.
“With this surgery, my breast tissue would be reduced to 1%. I’d take that number.”
Dr. Griffith then introduced Heather to Dr. Karen Lo, a plastic surgeon, with HCA HealthONE. Her warmth and professionalism sealed Heather’s confidence in her care team.
“This entire team of women made this process feel as ‘easy’ as it could have been,” she says. “To this day, I am still in awe over how seamlessly it all went.”
From diagnosis to surgery, only six weeks passed. On surgery day, Heather felt strong and supported. “[The team] knew what they were doing — no doubt about it — and the vibe they offered me on that day was one of hope for the future ahead of me.”
Even when her lymph nodes tested positive, she remained grateful. “The biggest part of cancer is getting it out of your body,” she says. “And these wonderful and powerful women saved my life.”
Heather emphasizes that it wasn’t just their medical expertise that made the difference — it was their empathy, communication and unwavering support.
“They embraced my diagnosis with me and made it feel like just a blip on the map — something they would handle with ease.”
Today, Heather is 18 months post-op. She completed 12 weeks of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation. Looking back, she says the day she was diagnosed was the scariest of her life. But meeting Dr. Griffith gave her the strength not just to fight — but to win.
“I feel part of something special,” Heather says. “What they are providing is empowerment in the face of a very scary cancer diagnosis.”
Cancer care in Denver
When you need compassionate cancer care, we're always here for you. At HCA HealthONE Rose, we provide a comprehensive, compassionate breast cancer program. Our specialized teams of cancer doctors (oncologists) work together with many other specialists. They provide you with an individualized care plan that can include both nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
We partner with Sarah Cannon Cancer Center to provide individual, innovative cancer services. Our care teams work individually with you to schedule consultations with specialists — such as 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.