Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital breast cancer patient stresses importance of awareness

News Release
October 4, 2022

WESTON, W.Va. – When Rebecca Filler discovered a lump in her breast, she quickly made an appointment to see her doctor. After a biopsy indicated she had breast cancer in February 2021, Rebecca placed her trust in the team at Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital for her care.

“Before my surgeon, Dr. Ron Pearson gave me the biopsy report, I knew deep in my heart that it was breast cancer,” said Rebecca. “It hit me hard because my aunt had breast cancer and though she eventually succumbed to ovarian cancer, I knew what I would be facing.”

After receiving her diagnosis, Rebecca was scheduled for surgery and the mass was removed. Two weeks later, a port was inserted to provide injections of chemotherapy drugs. She received chemotherapy treatments for a year before beginning radiation five days a week for one month.

“They fed me and waited on me, these girls were just great,” Rebecca said about the Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital staff.

As well as the medical support she received, Rebecca was thankful for the support she received from her family and friends. The 68-year-old Tucker County native thanked her sister for keeping her well-fed.

“My husband was here for me during this time. He provided positivity when I would be down after the chemotherapy sessions,” she said.

Rebecca will be telling her story as a speaker at the annual Lewis County Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon on Tuesday, October 11 at the Broad Street Church in Weston. Reservations can be made by calling the WVU Extension Service at 304-269-4660.

“Breast cancer screening and early detection play an important role in a women’s health. Screening tests can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when the chances of survival are highest. I had been very diligent about receiving my mammograms and performing self-examination. I might not have found that lump if I has not been conscientious about monthly self-examination,” she said. “Get your mammogram. Do your breast self-examination. Eat healthy. And walk every morning if you can.”