Maryland Survivors Illuminate Path to Breast Cancer Recovery

Two residents from Maryland are making significant strides in breast cancer survivorship, using their experiences to inspire and support others facing similar challenges. They highlight the ongoing journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of community and advocacy.

Jill Krause, a mother of four from Howard County, reflects on her battle with breast cancer, diagnosed at the age of 38 in 2010. Although her formal treatment has concluded, she continues to grapple with the long-term effects of her illness, including osteoporosis, shallow breathing, and heart issues. “It’s a luxury you lose, of not having had a life-altering trauma,” she shared.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the average breast cancer survival rate is around 91%, with nearly 100% survival for localized cases. The death rate for breast cancer has dropped by over 58% in the last 50 years, thanks to advancements in treatment and screening, as reported in a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Krause has transformed her personal journey into a supportive initiative. She founded the YOUniversalLOVE oncology yoga practice, offering sessions at the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center and in her home studio, adorned with disco balls. Krause prefers to identify as a “disco ball,” symbolizing resilience through her fragmented experiences.

Her introduction to yoga was challenging; she recalled, “I laid on the mat for the entire hour… That was all I could do.” This practice has become a healing outlet, encouraging others to find their own paths to recovery.

In Westminster, Tricia “Trish” Wagman has been a pivotal figure in cancer support since helping to establish a support group at Carroll Hospital in 1994. Six years ago, Wagman faced her own diagnosis of invasive ductal cancer at the age of 59. Despite the shock of her diagnosis and receiving 20 radiation treatments, she remained dedicated to her work and the support community she helped create.

Wagman now chairs the hospital’s annual “Pink Fling” fundraiser, which took place on October 19, 2022, in Upperco, Baltimore County. She reflects positively on the advancements in early detection and surgical techniques, particularly the shift towards lumpectomies, which have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

Both women emphasize the crucial role of advocacy in navigating the healthcare system. Krause attributes her early diagnosis to her persistent advocacy for herself, stating, “I truly believe the story would be different if I had waited those six months.” Her experiences have fueled her commitment to guiding other survivors through their journeys.

“There was nobody, 15 years ago, guiding me at all with what to do now,” Krause noted, stressing the importance of finding community support and emotional expression. “No matter what the emotion is, you are going to be OK,” she reassured others facing similar struggles.

Their stories highlight the resilience of breast cancer survivors and the power of community in the journey toward recovery. As they continue to advocate for awareness and support, Krause and Wagman serve as beacons of hope for others navigating the complexities of survivorship.