During an annual screening in October 2023, a small spot was detected on Debra Johnson's left breast.
Debra was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease, and Debra’s tumor required immediate action.
"There was a spot the size of a sweet pea,” Debra said. “It was tiny but very aggressive.”
Her care team at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles acted swiftly.
Within a day of seeing her surgeon, she had an appointment with her oncologist, Dr. Kamran Shahid, who laid out a treatment plan.
Debra’s journey began with 12 consecutive weeks of chemotherapy, followed by an additional four treatments spaced three weeks apart.
“I put my faith first,” she said. “I prayed with my husband, my daughters, my friends—everyone who supported me.”
Despite the rigorous treatments, Debra remained determined. She continued attending fitness classes at her local recreation center, where she found comfort in sharing her journey.
“I wanted to be open about my experience,” she said. “A lot of women don’t talk about their cancer, but I felt like if my story could help someone, I needed to tell it.”
After hearing Debra’s story, five women in her fitness classes scheduled mammograms they had avoided for years.
“Three of them have already gotten their results, and they’re fine. The other two are waiting,” she said.
“That, to me, is a blessing.” Debra said.
In July 2024, after completing chemotherapy, Debra underwent a lumpectomy.
“The radiologist couldn’t even find the original tumor site,” she said. “It was gone. The cancer hadn’t spread, and there was nothing in my lymph nodes.”
Her oncologist called her a “textbook patient.”
She had followed every step of the treatment plan with faith and determination.
“When Dr. Shahid told me, ‘Keep praying, keep working out, and keep your faith,’ I knew I was in the right hands,” she said.
Even after surgery, Debra’s journey wasn’t over. She underwent 18 Keytruda® treatments as part of a maintenance program and completed 20 rounds of radiation with Dr. David Chang.
But she refuses to let cancer define her. “I still go to my dance classes, my cardio workouts,” she said. “I never let this take over my life.”
Debra is also participating in clinical trials to help researchers learn more about triple-negative breast cancer, especially its impact on black women.
“I want to help other women,” she said. “So many don’t participate in research, and that affects survival rates. If my experience can contribute to finding better treatments, then I’m grateful.”
When asked what she would tell other women, Debra is firm in her response: “If you want to live, get your mammogram. Do it every year.
Don’t assume you’re safe just because last year’s was clear. My cancer was only a few weeks old when they found it. If I had waited, who knows?”
She acknowledges that some women avoid screenings due to fear, lack of insurance, or transportation challenges.
“But I tell them, there are resources out there. There are doctors who care. You have to be your own advocate.”
Through it all, Debra remains grateful for the team at CHRISTUS Health in Lake Charles.
“From my oncologists to my surgeons to the nurses at the infusion center, they treated me like family,” she said. “They cared not just about my treatment but about me as a person.”
Her faith and trust in her medical team never wavered. “I didn’t have to go to Houston for world-class care,” she said. “I had everything I needed right here.”
Debra’s journey is one of faith, strength, and perseverance. And now, with her cancer behind her, she continues to inspire others, proving that with early detection, expert care, and unwavering faith, survival is possible.
If you or someone you love is due for a mammogram, don’t wait. Schedule your screening today and take the first step toward protecting your health.
Not sure about a mammogram? Fill out the CHRISTUS breast cancer questionnaire to receive a report with your breast cancer risk factors and tips on reducing those risks.
Complete the CHRISTUS Health Breast Cancer Assessment to receive a report with your breast cancer risk factors and tips on reducing those risks.
