Nancy Bondy: Taking it One Day at a Time Against Breast Cancer

Nancy Bondy had an uneasy feeling between her regular mammograms that something was not right. Her feelings were confirmed in early 2023 when she was diagnosed HR positive, HER2 negative, and triple negative breast cancer.

With two separate diagnoses and three confirmed tumors, Nancy knew she needed to take immediate action. When she began treatment, her fight with breast cancer was one of determination.

"I decided to throw everything I could at it and take it one day at a time," said Nancy.

Following initial treatments of surgery and chemotherapy, Nancy learned she would need radiation therapy as part of her cancer care plan. Her brother-in-law Neal, who was previously treated at Texas Center for Proton Therapy himself, recommended Nancy and her husband look into proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation.

“We researched proton therapy in comparison to traditional radiation and once we learned more, it was a no-brainer for us to go with the proton center since there is less radiation exposure and long-term risk," said Nancy.

Neal opened his home to Nancy while she was receiving proton therapy, which allowed for a short commute and greater flexibility with appointment changes.

“For patients like Nancy with right-sided breast cancer, proton therapy is beneficial because it precisely targets tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy breast tissue and vital organs such as the heart or lungs,” said Jared Sturgeon, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncologist at Texas Center for Proton Therapy.

Throughout receiving proton therapy, Nancy had minimal side effects and was able to continue her normal routine. Outside of coming to the center, Nancy enjoyed eating at different places across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and spending quality time with family, including her beloved sister.

“Having my family and friends nearby supporting me was not only crucial but made going through proton therapy much easier,” said Nancy.

Prior to her breast cancer diagnosis, Nancy was an avid golfer, tennis player, and pickleball enthusiast. She has not let cancer stop her from trying new things. Now, she is learning guitar and picking up the game of bridge.

When asked what advice she would offer to those newly diagnosed, Nancy shared, “Stay positive, stay hopeful, and stay strong. Talk to your friends and take it step by step.”

The information included in this testimonial is based on one patient’s unique experience and is not intended to represent all patient outcomes or expectations.