Heidi Smith Heidi Smith

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Heidi was recently (June 2017) diagnosed with breast cancer. Heidi decided to consult with Rochester Mayo and will continue her care there. Additional testing revealed Stage IV triple negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes and to her hip bones. We are so grateful that it has not spread to other bones or to her organs, and are thankful to have a wonderful facility so close to home. We know she is in the best place for treatment. The oncologist, Dr. Tufia Haddad, has been compassionate and has explained everything step by step. Heidi is especially thankful that her provider identifies as a Christian and understands how important faith and prayer are during these situations.

Mayo is almost certain that genetics plays a role due to family history and the cancer being triple negative. The genetic test results are not back yet, but the oncologist is moving forward under the assumption that she is a carrier. Triple negative breast cancer does not feed off of estrogen, progesterone, or HER-2 receptors, so treatment options are different than with other types. She will not be having surgery, but instead will move forward with other treatments to shrink the tumors and keep the cancer from spreading further. Chemo will be starting soon, with the plan being to have a treatment every three weeks in the beginning. The oncologist shared that triple negative breast cancer is especially responsive to chemo. Heidi is also able to participate in a promising clinical trial. The trial drug is a PARP-inhibitor that has had positive results in treating triple negative breast cancer (and other cancers) when used together with chemo. 

We all know Heidi is a fighter and has a strong team of family, friends, and coworkers with her. Prayers are appreciated as Heidi begins this journey. As the oncologist told us - this is a marathon, not a sprint - and we are with Heidi every step of the way. 

Cards and well-wishes can be sent to Heidi at 716 14th St. NE Owatonna, MN 55060.