Vanessa Vega of Cedar Rapids is a former NCAA Division I basketball player, a current high school coach and an avid runner. She’s always been a healthy and active person, so when the then-40-year-old Vega went in for her first routine mammogram in June 2023, she didn’t expect to soon learn she had breast cancer. However, after the initial shock of the diagnosis faded, she used her situation as an opportunity to educate, inform and support other women.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
At her initial mammogram appointment at St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health, Vega was informed she has dense breast tissue and was asked to come back for a second mammogram.
Vega’s second mammogram revealed a small spot, about the size of the tip of a pencil. This finding led to her having a biopsy. As she was leaving work the next day, she saw her results were in and called the Breast and Bone office.
Vega was diagnosed with stage zero ductal carcinoma in situ in her milk duct. Mona Cook, BSN, RN, CBCN, served as her care coordinator. A care coordinator is a patient’s constant point of contact throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
“Mona informed me about the next steps and the decisions that would need to be made,” Vega shared. “She is the most amazing human and was such a critical piece of my cancer journey.”
Care Team Provides a ‘Different Level of Care’ through the Surgical Process
Because her cancer was stage zero, Vega only needed surgery and did not need chemo or radiation. She elected to undergo a double mastectomy with Kerri Nowell, MD, FACS, general surgeon with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, followed by reconstructive surgery with David Jerkins, MD, plastic/reconstructive surgeon with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa.
“I met with both Dr. Nowell and Dr. Jerkins on the same day, and they were both amazing,” recalled Vega. “I ask a lot of questions, and they never made me feel rushed or that there were any dumb questions. It was a different level of care with every person I interacted with. It felt like a true, genuine love. There’s no way to explain it.”
Vega underwent her double mastectomy to remove the cancer in August 2023 and reconstruction a few months later in November. After her procedures, she met with Matt Schmitz, CSCS, CES, AFT, manager and cancer exercise specialist at the Nassif Community Cancer Center, for post-op work on her range of motion.
“It was difficult to not be able to lift my arms, because I’m such an active person. It was extremely humbling,” said Vega. “Matt was very encouraging and supportive of me in reaching my goal to get back to where I wanted to be.”
Genetic Testing Provides Peace of Mind
Because breast cancer can have a genetic component to it, Vega also did genetic testing at the Community Cancer Center’s Genetics and Risk Assessment Clinic to see if she carried any genetic risk factors.
“My great grandmother had breast cancer, and I assumed the reason I got it was genetic, but everything came back normal,” shared Vega. “It was very, very good news for my sisters and of course for my children.”
‘Why Not Me?’
Like many who receive a cancer diagnosis, Vega initially had thoughts of ‘Why me?’ However, she soon realized there was a greater reason why this challenge popped up in her life. She is involved in a couple organizations that offer her a platform to have an influence on girls and women of all ages.
Vega serves as a treasurer on the board of a non-profit, Kingdom Life and Prayer Ministries International (KLPMI), which supports a Christian school in Sierra Leone, West Africa, providing free education to children who otherwise would not receive any. KLPMI has gained a large following through the annual fundraising event Vega organizes.
Additionally, Vega is an assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach for Cedar Rapids Kennedy girls basketball, and runs their Junior Cougar girls basketball program. As a coach with over 20 years of experience, she has been able to touch the lives of thousands of girls and hopes to be a role model for them going forward.
“At first, I thought, ‘Why me?’ But I’m very grounded in my faith and it was very clear to me early on why it happened to me. So, it was like, ‘Why not me?’” said Vega. “Coaching is my mission field, and I really invest in these girls. I’ve been given this platform of leadership through these organizations, and it was clear to me that I needed to show strength even in times of weakness and uncertainty when things are out of our control.”
Vega was also interviewed – along with her mom, who faced breast cancer a year after she did – for a book titled Unbreakable: Fighting Cancer with God.
“I was very vulnerable in that interview,” shared Vega. “I wanted readers to know there is a community of people out there who are waiting to help you get through it. Nobody fights alone.”
Vanessa’s Message: Early Detection Saves Lives
Vega has also spoken to large groups about a simple, but lifesaving message that she wants those who read her story to hear as well: Get your mammograms.
“Knowledge is power, and early detection can really save lives. Be proactive about your healthcare,” she said. “The greatest compliment I get is when a woman says, ‘I scheduled my mammogram because I heard your story.’ If just one person is able to have a cancer detected early, it’s all worth it.”
Experienced Breast Cancer Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer is here for you. For more information on our extensive offering of support services, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
Get Your Annual Screening Mammogram
It’s recommended women start with a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40, then begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, or sooner if there’s a family history of breast cancer. To schedule your mammogram, talk to your healthcare provider or call (319) 369-7216 to schedule your mammogram at one of St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health’s three convenient locations. St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health also offers walk-in mammograms Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a doctor’s order.
