McCready knew that she was genetically at higher risk of developing certain breast and ovarian cancers because her genes have the BRCA1 gene mutation. Her family history added to the concern: she lost both her mother and maternal grandmother to ovarian cancer and was closely acquainted with the impacts of those diagnoses.
“You can and should know your risk factors, but nothing can fully prepare you for your own cancer diagnosis,” McCready says. “When you hear you have cancer, you feel it in both your head and your heart. And as a mom, it was even harder for me.”
When McCready was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2023, she felt scattered. She and her husband were raising three children; not only was the diagnosis emotionally draining, it was also a struggle to coordinate between multiple doctors across various institutions.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis and navigating treatment while raising three little ones was incredibly difficult, but it also meant finding strength in their hugs, hope in their laughter, and gratitude in every single moment,” McCready says.
McCready began looking for a care team that could give her the care she needed under one roof. That’s when she found City of Hope Orange County.
McCready met with Jennifer Tseng, M.D., the medical director of breast surgery for City of Hope Orange County, who immediately brought in Irene M. Kang, M.D., the medical director of women’s health medical oncology. After that initial appointment, McCready walked away with a full care plan, which would eventually include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a lumpectomy, and double mastectomy.
“I felt like I got more accomplished in one day at City of Hope than I had in the first month I was diagnosed outside of City of Hope,” McCready says.
As McCready received breast cancer treatment, Dr. Kang suggested she visit with Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., the medical director of gynecologic oncology for City of Hope Orange County, to discuss her BRCA1 gene mutation. McCready was “floored” by City of Hope’s cohesion and thoroughness, she says. “Since I didn’t have ovarian cancer, I didn't know it was an option for me to go see someone at City of Hope who specializes in women’s cancers,” McCready says.
On assessing McCready’s medical and family history, Dr. Cohen recommended McCready undergo a hysterectomy and oophorectomy to reduce her risk of developing ovarian cancer. Dr. Cohen and his team performed the procedures at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County — and McCready was able to go home early the next morning.
Throughout her journey, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated approach played a vital role in McCready’s care. McCready asked Dr. Cohen for a recommendation for someone who could help with pelvic floor therapies for issues she experienced following the birth of her first child.
Dr. Cohen knew just who to call: Seth A. Cohen, M.D., a City of Hope urologic surgeon specializing in complex reconstruction of the pelvic floor, who is also Dr. Joshua Cohen’s brother. McCready says that after a quick phone call, Dr. Joshua Cohen told her that Dr. Seth Cohen could do the procedures she needed at the same time, in one combined surgery.
“I scheduled the surgery after I completed breast cancer treatment, and they did both procedures together at the same time,” McCready notes. “It wasn't something I was expecting at all for them to be able to do, and when I found out, it just made me know even more that I had chosen the right place and the right doctors when I chose City of Hope.”
Now, McCready has been able to go back to doing the things she loved, including running. She has a newfound perspective on everyday tasks, like going to the drugstore or taking her children to school.
“I am also just so grateful for City of Hope,” McCready says. “They make you feel like a human, not just a patient,” she says. “Every City of Hope physician I’ve seen puts so much time, effort, and care into my journey. My cancer diagnosis gave my life a whole new perspective, and I never imagined that certain aspects of life would be better than before. It’s been possible because of City of Hope caring for me and my family supporting me.”
She urges other young women to advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office and to get tested for cancer early. City of Hope is at the forefront of early cancer screenings, especially as research shows that more young people are facing cancer diagnoses. “Better to advocate for yourself and it be nothing, then be something,” McCready says.
Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673)
Also read:
Talking Hope: How to choose the right doctors and cancer center for your breast cancer surgery
Talking Hope: Hope for pelvic health disorders related to gynecologic cancer
Talking Hope: What every woman should know about gynecologic cancers