Ninfa

Tia Ninfa’s Story

A mom, sister, and my aunt

Ninfa was born July 23, 1938. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 28, had a partial hysterectomy performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital by Dr. Joseph Lucci on May of 1967. As a result, was cancer free for 31 years, until April of 1998 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on the right breast. Breast Cancer occurs when a malignant tumor spreads to surrounding tissue lining the breast. At that time she elected to have a lumpectomy on June of 1998 at St. Luke’s Hospital, operated by Dr. Peters. Her treatment consisted of 3-4 months of chemo therapy by Dr. Taobada, her oncologist. My strong willed and heroic Tia, was cancer free for 9 years. But unfortunately cancer returned on September 2007, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on the right breast once more. This time Dr. Baker removed her entire right breast, at St. Luke’s Hospital on January 20, 2008. Her treatment was continued with radiation during June and July of 2008, by Dr. Carpenter.

Tia continues her battle against cancer with the help of her oncologist Dr. Ramshech. Her current treatment consists of Tykerb and Xeloda, two types of anti-cancer chemotherapy drugs, which she takes 6 times a day. Though her battle has been a long one, my beautiful Tia is determined to be victorious in her battle. Fortunately she is surrounded with tremendous family support; including her daughter, sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and my grandmother, her sister Francis Luera. I love you very much Tia.