Quincy Reporter

Pam Richard, a 60-year-old woman from the Quincy area, has completed her chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 2 breast cancer. Richard, who describes herself as a “health hippy,” said she was surprised by the diagnosis given her active lifestyle and focus on healthy living.

“I never thought I would be the 1-in-8,” Richard said, referring to the statistic that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. She described discovering a lump in her chest as a moment that changed everything for her.

Within two days of finding the lump, Richard had undergone several tests at Blessing Health System, including mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies. The results confirmed she had Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), an aggressive form of the disease that accounts for about 15% of all breast cancer cases. Genetic testing also revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.

Richard said making treatment decisions was difficult due to the aggressiveness of her tumor. “Because of the suspected aggressiveness of the tumor, I had to let myself quickly process the risk factors of the conventional medicine I had seen work for some acquaintances, versus the time it might take to research and find natural treatments,” she said. “I chose to place my trust in the Blessing Cancer Center team.”

She formed a prayer group with family and friends and adopted the motto “No Pity/Just Prayer.” Richard credited her nurse navigator Jessica Nuebel—herself an eight-year survivor of TNBC—for providing hope and helping coordinate care during a challenging time.

Her medical team included primary care provider Becky Reed (APRN FNP), medical oncologist Daniel Koh, MD, surgeon Emmanuel Bessay, MD, and later obstetrician/gynecologist Ivan Trinh, MD. Treatment began with 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy on June 25, 2025. Richard chose not to have reconstructive surgery to avoid additional procedures and complications.

After surgery and chemotherapy, pathology reports showed no signs of cancer remaining in her tissue or lymph nodes. “On the day I received my ‘complete response’ pathology report I felt the most overwhelming gratitude to God and my care team I have ever experienced in my lifetime,” she said.

Due to her BRCA2 status and increased risk for ovarian cancer, Richard is now working with Dr. Trinh to undergo a hysterectomy. She will also continue immunotherapy for several months as part of ongoing efforts to prevent recurrence.

Reflecting on her experience, Richard expressed appreciation for both her faith community and medical team: “Today, I am grateful for a complete response and no sign of disease. My faith brought me through mentally and spiritually, and my team brought me through physically and emotionally. Jessica was always available with great advice. Dr. Koh and his nurses explained each step with genuine care. And Dr. Bessay listened with kindness to my concerns and explained my options thoroughly while respecting my decisions.”

“I have a level of gratitude I never knew existed and hope to pay it forward by boosting others through their battle,” she added.

For more information about breast cancer care at Blessing Health System: https://www.blessinghealth.org/treatments/breast-cancer

Pam’s husband works as a nurse at Blessing Hospital.