Life Beyond the Ribbon: Nicole’s Story

Nicole Fenison’s breast cancer journey began unexpectedly.

After her first mammogram led to a biopsy that confirmed her cancer diagnosis, Nicole’s world shifted. But the support of the breast cancer program at Legacy Health made all the difference.

“Those first two weeks were the hardest of my life,” she said.

As parents of four children, Nicole and her husband felt overwhelmed. But they were never alone. The breast cancer team at Legacy stepped in quickly. It immediately set up imaging, oncology and surgery appointments. Nicole’s nurse navigator, Cherith Rivinius, became a lifeline, helping her focus on the next steps.

“The breast cancer team knew what we needed before we even knew what to ask for,” Nicole recalled.

Her team of doctors — Drs. Cory Donovan, Sasha Waldstein, Rebecca Khan and Kathryn Panwala — became some of Nicole’s biggest supporters. Each doctor took the time to understand her fears and concerns, guiding her through the complex process with unwavering empathy. Nicole found strength not only in her doctors’ expertise but also in their compassion.

One standout moment in Nicole’s journey was her connection with Dr. Donovan, a breast surgical oncologist. As a mother and cancer survivor herself, Dr. Donovan brought unique empathy to Nicole’s experience.

“She had walked in my shoes and knew exactly how I was feeling,” Nicole said. “Her support offered me comfort that no one else could.”

The support didn’t stop with medical treatment. Nicole was offered counseling, nutrition advice and survivor resources after her treatment ended. One program that made a lasting impact on her was the Breast Cancer Survivor Seminar, which is designed for women under age 45. There, Nicole connected with other young moms who beat cancer.

“The friendships I’ve made have been a lifeline,” said Nicole. “We continue to meet and encourage each other, which has been one of the most valuable parts of this journey.”

When asked if she would recommend the breast cancer program at Legacy, Nicole responded without hesitation: “Yes.” While she acknowledges there is no one-size-fits-all cancer treatment, Nicole knew from the beginning of her journey that she was in the right place.

“My entire team felt like family by the end of my treatment,” she said. “I never felt overlooked or like a statistic.”

For Nicole, breast cancer treatment at the Legacy Cancer Institute meant finding care that went beyond the diagnosis. It gave her the support she needed every step of the way.