Breast Cancer

Tara Burch

Tara Burch is a mother of four, a foster parent of five, and a grandmother to eight. Her world is her family, her children, her church and her community. She is also a case worker at an organization for children and family support in Clay County. So, when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, she wasn’t sure what to expect. However, with positive thinking and focusing on what she had to do, Tara was able to face breast cancer and the cancer treatments without a huge shift in her daily routine, and the lives of her children. “I was scared at first, but once I talked to the doctors, it went away,” said Tara.

Initially, it was a whirlwind of appointments as she learned about her diagnosis and prepared to start treatment. She is grateful for Dr. Carlos Castillo, medical oncologist and Dr. Leigh Neumayer, UF Health Jacksonville breast surgeon, who spent a lot of time with her discussing the various treatment options and plans, including chemotherapy and radiation.

Tara was referred to Dr. Julie Bradley at UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for a consultation to discuss radiation treatment options after chemotherapy was completed. The decision was made to proceed with adjuvant radiotherapy with proton therapy to decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Tara chose to participate in a clinical trial evaluating the optimal length of radiotherapy. The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the effects of using proton radiation therapy delivered over a shorter course of treatment (~3 weeks) compared with a longer, standard course of treatment (~5 weeks) for women with breast cancer who require radiotherapy to the breast/chest wall and regional lymph nodes. We are grateful to Tara and others who participate in trials like this so that we can continue to improve treatment outcomes.

To prepare for treatments, Tara did her own research on what to expect, how to prepare herself and listening to other people’s stories about what she could experience throughout treatment. This helped her feel as ready as she could be.

“One thing about UF— they are the best ever! Everyone I encountered— it was just like a family experience. I always felt better when I got there,” Tara said.

Throughout her proton therapy treatment, Tara listened to her body. The daily treatments caused her to feel tired as the treatments went on, so she took the needed time to rest. She was able to take a leave from her job and focus on taking care of herself and her family.

Today, Tara is back at work, taking life one day at a time and enjoying the moment. What keeps her going through all of this is, “Keeping God First… knowing He was the ultimate source that kept me focused and driven, because God gave me the assurance this sickness is not to death. Just another chapter to add to my story to help others FIGHT,” Tara said.

Tara encourages other people going through a cancer diagnosis to “Always stay positive! Stay focused and don’t let it get to you; you get the best of it! Surround yourself with people that are positive, people who can encourage you, and be the support that you need.”