DeAnna is known as a savvy entrepreneur, community leader and survivor! She is the true definition of a warrior, surviving cancer three times and heart failure that was caused by her second bout of chemotherapy. She is BRCA1 positive and is actively involved in educating people regarding the importance of the genetic mutation and the life saving test available.
DeAnna's first diagnosis of cancer came when she was only 29 years old. She had three children (7 months, 7 years and 11 years). A breast cancer diagnosis came as a total shock to this busy Mom. She sought treatment at UCLA through their Multi Disciplinary program. DeAnna then underwent more surgery, chemotherapy that caused a complete and total loss of her hair, followed by 8 weeks of daily radiation therapy. She survived and grew tremendously from this survival.
The second diagnosis was a new breast cancer on the opposite side, she was 35 years old. At this time she had unbelievably given birth to her 4th child who was 8 months old. Literally a miracle baby after all of her chemotherapy. A perfect, beautiful girl. Again, she went to the doctors that had successfully treated her first cancer and again she endured more surgeries, more chemotherapy that once again left her bald and 8 more weeks of daily radiation therapy. She survived again. This time not totally unscathed. Her heart was severely damaged as a result of the devastating chemotherapy she was given. In the beginning she has no symptoms, so they watched the heart pumping function and she decided she would wait until she felt symptomatic.
In 2006 very rapidly her symptoms were upon her. She couldn't stay awake for more than a few hours at a time, she had no energy and could barely function. She sought out a cardiologist and they began testing to see what DeAnna's heart was doing. Not good it turned out. She was in Congestive Heart Failure with Cardiomyopathy. Her heart was functioning at a low 30%. The doctor immediately put her on heart medications. Very slowly and painfully they raised the dosages. Eventually she reached the optimal dosing and adjusted to the levels. Now her heart is pumping in a low normal range and they continue to monitor her.
DeAnna was lucky enough to meet a doctor through her television work that specialized in Breast Surgery and Genetic Testing. Dr. Lisa Curcio walked her through the testing procedures and counseled her every step of the way on what to expect either way...positive or negative.
Summer of 2007 DeAnna was definitely BRCA1 positive. This would open up a new chapter in her recovery. A battery of tests. Everything came back clear. DeAnna was ready to make decisions about her future.
At 42 it was being recommended to have a prophylactic (preventative) hysterectomy and mastectomy. Patients who are BRCA1 positive have a very high rate of cancer developing or recurring. DeAnna opted to follow the recommendations and proceeded with the first step, having the hysterectomy. Dr. Kathryn Cvar was recommended to complete this part of the treatment.
The hysterectomy went smoothly, recovery was great. A week after the surgery DeAnna got a phone call from Dr. Curcio that would once again shake her life. The pathology revealed that there was cancer already growing in her Fallopian tube, it had spread to her Ovary and her abdominal washings were positive for cancer. Good news is the cancer was microscopic, completely unseen by the human eye. Bad news was it was there and it had spread.
After triple checking the diagnosis, ensuring that it was not a metastatic (old breast cancer spreading to the new area) she secured a highly regarded gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Jeb Brown. Because of the spread and aggressive nature of the cancer, DeAnna underwent another surgery to remove her omentum and recheck all of the areas for additional cancer. During the surgery, her vena cava ripped and she lost over 850cc of blood before the rip was located and repaired.
Two transfusions later, she felt great and has finished with her chemo and has founded momswithcancer.org a not for profit 501c3 organization dedicated to meeting the unique needs of mothers facing cancer while meeting the needs of their children.
Each diagnosis brought with it a lot of mental, physical and spiritual confusion. Although she credits her faith with getting through and her beliefs kept her positive about her health, she faced heartbreak, disappointment and learned to love herself. For each of the heartbreaks she has grown stronger. For each disappointment she has learned to deal with life by using the wisdom she gained from all around her.
DeAnna Rice is a survivor and can enlighten your organizations meeting or seminar. Please call or email for availability. 949-315-5164 deanna@deannarice.com
DeAnna and Tim Rice at the
Women's Cancer Research Foundation
Fundraising Brunch April 2008
Inspirational Speaker and Author
