28-Year-Old Oncology Nurse Battles Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Panama City-- Since landing the job of her dreams, 28-year-old, Kimberly Weekley, says every single day...is a constant reminder of her destiny.
“She does a fantastic job; her name is Kim Weekley, but we call her Kim Strongly,” said Dr. Syed K. Mahmood, MD.
She earned the nickname "Kimberly Strongly" just a few months after settling in as Dr. Mahmood’s newest oncology nurse where she quickly came face to face with her our own mortality.
“They took me back to the doctor and he had my mammogram up and I looked at it,” said Weekley. “I knew…you know? I'm a nurse and looked at it...and my heart just sort of sank.”
“This was a very aggressive type of cancer called ‘Inflammatory Breast Cancer,’ which is the most aggressive type of cancer and if you don't treat it, most people don't live for more than a year,” explained Dr. Mahmood.
"It was already stage three after just eight weeks from the first symptom,” said Weekley. “The initial thing I noticed was the swelling; in hindsight, I think I might of had a dimple, and I thought...you know… I'm only 28; I'm too young, most women don't get cancer until they're in their 60's."
Finding her way forward, Weekley began chemo and radiation. And just six months later, Dr. Mahmood delivered what she calls a miracle.
“The treatment consisted of chemotherapy, initially. She did very well, so by the time the chemo was finished and she went back for her surgery, there was no evidence of cancer found at the time of surgery. She was in complete remission...which happens, but happens somewhat rarely."
"I just couldn't believe it...I couldn't believe it... just think everything happens for a reason and that I was sent to work here so I would be here, because had I not....I don’t know…”
Since going into remission, Weekley has had a mastectomy, continues radiation therapy, and chemo therapy. As an oncology nurse, Weekley finds divine grace in each patient, and hopes her story will do the same...
"Hopefully I can offer them. I've been there I've done that...it's not the end of the world...you just got to keep going..."
This years ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ event is getting ready to kick off. YOU can make a difference one step at a time by signing up and registering for a team! There will be a big kickoff for the breast cancer walk at Gulf Coast Community College on August 23rd. Community walkers and sponsors are needed! The walk will be October 9th at Aaron Bessant Park, Pier Park, in Panama City Beach!
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