Tulsa Nurse Practitioner Shocked By Breast Cancer Diagnosis

This year, more than 2,800 women in Oklahoma will be diagnosed with breast cancer. No one ever thinks it will happen to them - especially someone in the medical field who works with it every day.

It came as quite a shock to Misty Anderson who usually at this time of year is getting ready to Race for the Cure. As a nurse practitioner, Misty Anderson sees cancer patients every day. Little did she know last August, she would become one.

"I will be really honest with you. I was certain that I didn't have cancer even up to the biopsy. You know, I was like, this is nothing, you know. They are just being careful," said Misty Anderson, nurse practitioner and breast cancer patient.

But it was cancer, breast cancer. 

"I had my diagnosis on a Friday. I had an MRI the next Wednesday," Misty said. "I saw Dr. Keller the same day. I started chemotherapy the next week. So I was treated like within two weeks of my final diagnosis which was amazing."

As a wife and mother to an 8-year-old girl, Misty knew she had a fight on her hands. Chemotherapy took her long beautiful hair, radiation and surgery - the same journey many of her patients have traveled.

Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure Tulsa

"I think it makes me a better clinician for sure. I can say I understand and really mean it. I think I can help them troubleshoot their side effects a little better, making it a little more bearable," she said.

Misty says her co-workers were there to help as she continued to work through treatment. But it was her family that gave her hope.

"I couldn't have made it without my  husband who's my rock and my daughter who's 8, and she's my true inspiration in this world," said Misty Anderson, nurse practitioner and breast cancer survivor.

Misty has been part of the Komen Race for the Cure, but this year will be a little different than in years past.

"It's so fun to be part of that group, and now I can say I'm a survivor and wear the shirt while I'm doing it this year," she said.

We would love for you to join Misty and hundreds of others as we participate in this year's Komen Race for the Cure.   

The race is coming up Saturday, September 29th at the River Spirit Casino. You can form your own team or join mine. 

Join LeAnne's Team and Race for the Cure.