After her annual mammogram and biopsy at University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center, Deb Pinard learned that she had stage 1 triple negative breast cancer, an early but aggressive form of breast cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock, but she is grateful to have found a care team close to home for support throughout her journey.

“When people are in the hospital, they try to be strong and tough, and I am one of those people who wants to just charge through it,” she says, “but inside I was terrified.” 

Pinard underwent a double mastectomy. As she grappled with the physical and emotional impact of losing her breasts, she found strength in the kindness of her care team.

“Jenn Wright, the nurse who was on that day, told me she had a patient that could really use some tender loving care,” says Judy Huntington, LNA. “I walked in and introduced myself with a smile and let her know that I was going to be there to support her.”

Jennifer Wright, RN, has been a nurse at Central Vermont Medical Center for 16 years. She says her work is inspired by her father who worked at the hospital for 45 years.

“Seeing how he interacted with his patients inspired me to go into nursing,” she says.

Wright recalls how quickly things moved for Pinard — from diagnosis to surgery — and how overwhelming that can be for patients.

“It’s so much to process,” she says. “So for me, it was important to take that little bit of extra time getting to get to know her and meet her needs.” 

After surgery, Pinard went through four months of chemotherapy at the Central Vermont Medical Center Cancer Treatment Center. Because she couldn’t take steroids — commonly used to manage side effects — due to a heart condition, her care team connected her with a cardiologist. She prescribed a medication that allowed her to safely receive steroids as part of her treatment.

“Chemo was a challenge,” she says. “But the cancer team at CVMC made it possible for me to get what I needed. Her husband of nearly 49 years was by her side throughout recovery. Family and friends cooked meals, called, texted and visited when she felt well enough.

After several months of treatment, Pinard reunited with Wright and Huntington to share good news: She was in remission. 

“It’s incredible to think of what she has been through and where she is now,” says Wright. “It was really special to see her that day.” “If people just take the time to get to know their patients, you can walk out at the end of the day knowing that you’ve done something to make a difference in somebody’s life,” says Huntington. “That is the most important thing. That’s what I’m here for.”

Pinard says the care she received at Central Vermont Medical Center made all the difference. “They’re very good at what they do,” she says. “And I think for me, the compassion and the encouragement just set the trajectory for my recovery.”