Survivor Spotlight: Suzanne Reed

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, and we’re sharing stories and insights from survivors in our CARES community. Suzanne Reed has championed CARES through her role as Chief Marketing Officer at LBMC in Nashville.

Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your story to inspire hope and raise awareness about the importance of continued investment in cancer research.

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Suzanne Reed (center) with her family

I wanted to take a moment to share my personal journey, in hopes that it may bring encouragement or comfort to anyone facing a similar path.

January 16, 2023, is a date that will always stand out for me—my “C” Day. Even now, more than three years later, it still feels surreal that I was diagnosed with cancer and am living with its aftermath. I always assumed, if anything, it would be diabetes or heart issues that would challenge my health, not cancer—a word that carries such heaviness and rarely evokes anything positive, even for those of us lucky enough to have made it through with less hardship than others.

Looking back, 2022 was a year filled with joy and milestones. Our daughter was married, and our family was growing. At the same time, I was navigating the challenges of caring for my mother who has dementia and supporting my son through college. Life was certainly full.  So getting this diagnosis in 2023 was a real gut punch, but it would be at any time, right?

Did any treatments or trials in your care come from cancer research?

My diagnosis was basic invasive duct mammary phase 1 breast cancer – her2+. It’s common, not the worst type, but there’s always the looming possibility of recurrence. My treatment plan followed a well-established path—two chemotherapy drugs and two immunotherapy drugs. One of the immunotherapies carried the risk of heart complications, which was a major concern for me, so I had regular echocardiograms every six weeks to monitor my heart.

Suzanne celebrating her last day of chemo

What were your biggest challenges during your treatment?

While the pain was real—stomach issues, neuropathy, headaches, and profound exhaustion—what truly tested me was staying mentally focused on recovery. It was a constant effort not to dwell on the pain or the unknowns: Is the treatment working? Will I get an infection? Is my heart being affected? Will I need radiation after my mastectomy? Will I develop lymphedema? There were so many questions and what-ifs. 

One thing I’ve struggled with is survivor’s guilt. It can be difficult to talk about my own cancer experience, knowing that so many others are facing even bigger battles. That feeling has stuck with me.  I watched so many have pain so much greater than mine.  I am not sure that feeling will ever go away. There is also a constant nagging feeling, “Will I get cancer again?”  I truly am in a good place, but cancer is a rollercoaster – physically and emotionally.

Strangely, thought the cancer experience was both peaceful and terrifying. It’s a contradiction, but it’s true. Throughout it all, faith was my anchor. I’m deeply thankful for my family, friends, colleagues, doctors, and nurses—every single person who contributed to my care plan. Cancer requires a team, and I was fortunate to have an incredible one.

Has surviving cancer changed your outlook on life?

Surviving cancer has completely transformed my outlook. I became determined to make changes—be healthier, stop procrastinating, and look forward to the future. I’m now blessed with a grandchild (and another on the way!), I’m savoring time with my grown kids, and I’m getting to experience empty nesting with my husband.

These days, I find joy in life’s little moments and feel more gratitude than ever before. Simplifying my life has become a priority, and I thank God for every single day.

What message would you share with someone diagnosed with cancer?

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone newly diagnosed, it would be this: your attitude can take you further than you think, and you are stronger than you realize. Don’t make assumptions—build a team you trust, advocate for yourself, and always reach out to others who have walked this road. The mental and physical aspects of the journey stick with you, but those who have been there can be a great source of encouragement. And don’t forget to pray—you may not always get what you want, but God will give you what you need.

Thank you for letting me share my story. If you or someone you know is facing a similar journey, please know you are not alone.