As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, 24-year-old Chenoa’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, patient self-advocacy, and the unwavering support of her medical team in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Chenoa was in the prime of her life—young, healthy, and newly graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in biomedical sciences and her yoga teacher certification—when she found a small lump during a self-exam in October last year.

“At first, I thought it was just normal breast tissue, but it kept growing,” Chenoa recalls.

Her ultrasound and biopsy were inconclusive. She was referred to Adam Boettcher, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, and Kate Preston, a general surgeon at Flagstaff Surgical Associates, who worked together to perform a lumpectomy.

The pathology results after surgery came back as a rare, fast-growing malignant phyllodes tumor, a type that accounts for less than 0.5% of breast cancers.

“I was honestly shocked,” Chenoa said. “There is no known cause for this type of cancer. I was 23 years old, had no family history of breast cancer, and also tested negative for cancer genetic markers.”

Along with her oncologist, Sarah Conlon at Arizona Oncology, Boettcher, and Preston; Chenoa chose to undergo a unilateral mastectomy in January of this year, followed by 30 rounds of radiation with Stephanie Rice, a radiation oncologist at Northern Arizona Healthcare.

“I trusted the process, and my doctors were amazing,” Chenoa recalls, expressing gratitude for the personal attention and care she received, particularly from Boettcher.

“Dr. Boettcher has been with me every step of the way, spending the most time with me, reassuring me that everything would eventually be in the rearview mirror.”

Chenoa’s radiation treatments concluded in May, and she is now cancer-free. While she awaits the final phase of her reconstruction surgery with Boettcher, Chenoa remains focused on staying active, grateful, and positive.

“Seeing Chenoa’s remarkable resilience and positivity throughout her treatment has been truly inspiring. Our goal was to not only help her overcome the cancer but to ensure she felt supported at every step. I have no doubt that she’ll continue to inspire others in her journey ahead,” said Boettcher, a partner at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona. His practice is dedicated to helping breast cancer patients restore their confidence by providing personalized reconstructive care throughout their treatment and recovery.

In addition to reconstructive procedures, physical therapy sessions and lymphatic massage have helped her manage stage 0 lymphedema, a potential side effect of her cancer treatment. She made it a point to go hiking in the San Francisco peaks nearly every day through radiation.

“I saw a lot of changes in my body, and lost a part that I never thought I’d have to, but I also learned to love my new body. I’m grateful for all it’s done to heal,” Chenoa said. “Towards the end of my radiation treatment, I definitely felt more fatigued, but staying active and hiking as much as I could seemed to help me a lot.”

Beyond her physical recovery, Chenoa found emotional healing through the Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona’s breast cancer support group.

“My family and friends were so incredibly supportive, but it was amazing to connect with other patients who really understood what I was going through. This group gave me an additional place to share and heal.”

Chenoa’s experience has profoundly impacted her outlook on life. She now volunteers as a yoga teacher with the Cancer Support Community, paying forward the care she received.

Her journey has also strengthened her desire to work in oncology, and she’s considering furthering her education in either nutrition or nursing. “I’ve always felt a calling to help cancer patients, and now, more than ever, I know this is my path.”

While her battle with cancer came unexpectedly, Chenoa hopes her story will inspire others to take charge of their health.

“You can never be too careful,” she says. “I wasn’t great at doing regular self-checks, but I’m advocating for it now. If you find something, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. It can happen to anyone, even if you’re young and healthy like I was.”

Chenoa’s positivity has been key to her journey. “I trusted that everything was happening for a reason, and that helped me stay hopeful. I’m grateful for my doctors, my family, and my friends who supported me every step of the way.”

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chenoa’s message is simple yet powerful: “Advocate for yourself, ask questions, don’t be shy with your doctors, stay positive, and surround yourself with a strong support system. Let yourself feel all of your emotions, and give yourself grace. You’ll get through it, and it will be in your past sooner than you think.”

About Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona

Since 1991, Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona has provided comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery services using state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based techniques. The practice’s board-certified plastic surgeons bring over 85 years of combined experience, delivering high-quality care to patients across the region. The practice also operates the fully accredited Northern Arizona SurgiCenter in Flagstaff, offering premier medical care and privacy for patients.

Editor’s Note: Chenoa’s last name is not included in this story for patient preference and privacy.

By: Whitney Slightham for Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona