As the autumn leaves fall and the season of gratitude begins, we reflect on stories of strength, perseverance, and community. Brett, a Fredericksburg mother of three, embodies all of these. Her journey through breast cancer is not only one of survival — but of transformation, advocacy, and hope.
In 2023, Brett was living a vibrant life with her husband and three young boys, ages 6, 2, and 6 months. Healthy, active, and immersed in motherhood, she never imagined that a quiet moment nursing her youngest would change everything.
“I felt a lump and thought it was a clogged duct,” Brett recalls. “But I called my OB-GYN just to be safe.” That call led to a mammogram and ultrasound — her first ever. The results came swiftly: Stage 2, Grade 3 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), with an 87% KI-67 proliferation index — a sign of aggressive growth.
“I was 37, three months postpartum, and terrified,” she says. “My mom passed away from cancer at a young age. I couldn’t stop thinking, will I get to see my babies grow up?”
Her care team at Mary Washington Healthcare acted quickly. Within days, Brett had a port placed and began chemotherapy. “It was one month from when I first felt the lump to my first chemo treatment,” she says. “I was still breastfeeding. It broke my heart to stop.”
Despite the fear and heartbreak, Brett found strength in her support system. “My husband held me through the darkest moments. My entire care team made me feel heard and cared for. They were truly invested in getting me back to my family.”
After 12 long weeks of chemotherapy, an ultrasound showed no visible tumor. An MRI confirmed the good news. “We celebrated a clear MRI,” Brett says. “After second opinions, we chose to skip the second phase of chemo and move forward with surgery.” She underwent a lumpectomy and today, is cancer-free.
Throughout her journey, Brett found ways to reclaim control — through cooking cancer-fighting meals, walking with her husband, detox baths, meditation, and Reiki therapy. “You lose so much when you’re diagnosed. These things helped me feel like I was doing something for myself.”
Now, Brett lives with a renewed sense of purpose. “I’ve moved from a ‘why me’ mindset to ‘what can this teach me?’ I’ve learned to be truly present. Be thankful for every moment, even the hard ones.”
She continues to prioritize her health and joy, knowing that being her best self is the greatest gift she can give her children. “I want my kids to look back and think — wow, my mom is so strong. Even when it was really hard.”
Brett also gives back. Each year, she participates in the Power of Pink Breast Cancer Walk, walking in memory of her mother and in honor of her own journey. She shares her story to help others and remains a passionate advocate for early detection, community support, and the incredible care she received at Mary Washington Primary Care, Obstetrics, and Gynecology at Embrey Mill and Mary Washington Medical Oncology.
Her advice to others facing a diagnosis is both honest and hopeful: “You’re going to go through difficult days, but you will get through it. You will still find joy. Lean on your tribe — they will want to help. Let them.”
Brett’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of fear, love and community can light the way forward.
To learn more about Mary Washington Healthcare’s Breast Cancer Program, click here.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. This partnership seeks to help the community make informed health decisions while offering a behind-the-scenes look at local care and services. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
