A Second Chance: Stacey Bussell’s Journey Through Breast Cancer and Recovery

After a breast cancer diagnosis, Stacey Bussell found strength in her faith, family and care team at Covenant Health’s Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Today, she is preparing for a future helping others as a pediatric oncology nurse.  

A Life-changing Discovery 

 When Stacey discovered a lump during a self-breast exam in 2023, her life changed dramatically. The lump appeared just nine months after a mammogram, reinforcing the importance of paying attention to changes in your body between routine screenings. 

“I have cancer? I have cancer. I have cancer,” Stacey said. “It was a lot of unknowns and no answers.” At 42 years old, Stacey was diagnosed with micropapillary breast carcinoma. 

As she came to terms with her diagnosis, her faith became a source of strength. “God, you’re going with me on this journey. I do not know how to navigate this,” she said. 

Finding Support Every Step of the Way 

One of the first people to help guide Stacey through her diagnosis was oncology nurse navigator Susan Rutherford. As a nurse navigator, Susan helps patients understand their diagnosis, coordinate care and navigate cancer treatment. 

“Nurse Susan has been my angel throughout this whole process. Literally heaven-sent,” Stacey said. 

Susan remembered their early conversations: “We talked about positivity and she maintained that, even when it was hard.” 

During her treatment, Stacey underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy. Along the way, she learned that recovery involved more than physical healing. “You essentially have to grieve the person that you are because you are not going to come out the same,” she said. 

Strength in Family and Faith 

Throughout treatment, Stacey drew strength from her parents, extended family and church community.  One of the most meaningful moments came when her mother, Karen Bussell, shaved her own head in support after Stacey began losing her hair during chemotherapy. Stacey initially tried to talk her out of it, but Karen was determined to stand beside her through every step of treatment. 

“My hair on the floor. Her hair on the floor. We walked out hand in hand,” Karen recalled.  

Her father, James Bussell, credits her perseverance to one thing above all else: “Her faith.” 

Care That Sees the Person Behind the Diagnosis 

 Before beginning treatment, Stacey had one simple prayer. 

“I prayed my cancer team would treat me as a patient, not a number. That’s exactly what I got here,” she said. 

“I had people who saw me and heard me. I felt validated. ” 

A New Calling Inspired by Care 

Cancer changed many aspects of Stacey’s life, including her plans for the future and ultimately inspired a new calling. 

Before her diagnosis, nursing was never on her radar. In fact, when treatment began, she was terrified of needles. “The needles are not for me,” she remembered thinking. As she moved through her cancer journey and experienced the compassion of her care team, she found herself drawn to a profession she once never considered. 

“They treated me like family,” she said. “The love and care they showed me made such a difference.” 

Inspired by the nurses, physicians and caregivers who supported her throughout her cancer journey, Stacey discovered a new path. 

“I want to be a pediatric oncology nurse. I want to work with kids who have cancer,” she said. 

Breast nurse navigator Susan believes Stacey’s personal experience will make her a remarkable nurse. 

“She’ll be able to tell patients, ‘I have been where you are. I know you’re scared. I’m here to be with you and I’m going to help you through this,'” she said. 

In the future, Stacey hopes to provide the same comfort, reassurance and compassion that helped carry her through treatment, using her own experience to support children and families facing cancer. 

Looking Ahead with Gratitude 

Today, Stacey is focused on a future shaped by service to others and gratitude for the people who helped her reach this point. 

“I’m here. I’m alive. I’m grateful,” she said. 

As she looks ahead, she hopes others will learn from her experience. She encourages people to stay current on recommended screenings, perform regular self-breast exams and trust their instincts when something feels different. 

If you notice a change or are due for a screening, don’t wait to talk with your healthcare provider. Early detection can make a lifesaving difference.  

If you’re due for your annual mammogram, you can schedule it online with a Covenant Health Breast Center near you.