Valerie Carmona’s Journey with Synchronous Cancer
Valerie Carmona, 53, faced an extraordinary challenge in 2023 when she was diagnosed with three separate primary malignancies, also known as synchronous cancer. These occur when two or more separate cancers are diagnosed in the same individual within a short period, typically within six months of each other. Managing such complex cases requires a highly individualized approach to treatment, considering the unique characteristics of each cancer and the overall health of the patient.
“I was diagnosed with stage two, triple-positive breast cancer in one mass and in my lymph node and then stage one HER2-negative breast cancer that was also fueled by hormones—progesterone and estrogen.”
– Valerie Carmona
Valerie is a loving mother of two boys and a dedicated professional. While navigating her cancer treatments, she shared that she preferred to keep her outlook private, even from family, “I keep everything under wraps, and it was the only way that I knew how to push through and survive and stay in my own bubble.” The care and sincerity her physicians and their staff provided added immense comfort while Valerie managed her daily routines.
Valerie Opens Up With Regards To Three Primary Malignancies
Valerie speaks to SJCI about synchronous cancer treatment at SJHC and her doctors, Janie Grumley, MD, Jennifer Linehan, MD, Hyo Park, MD, Parvin Peddi, MD, and Shanthi Gowrinathan, MD.
Understanding Mammograms
Yearly mammograms truly save lives—they’re the only preventative measure for catching breast cancer early. In Valerie’s case, mammograms detected two different breast cancers, one aggressive and one less aggressive. Typically, breast cancers that are hormone-driven tend to metastasize to the ovaries, prompting further scans.
In her heartfelt testimonial, Valerie’s initial mammogram was performed at another hospital, and she was expected to wait six weeks for another appointment to get results for a diagnosis. Not wishing to wait for results, a friend directed her to the Margie Petersen Breast Center, which accelerated her treatment journey.
Margie Petersen Breast Center (MPBC)
Three Synchronous Cancers
Two additional masses were found outside her breast, and initially, it was thought she had metastatic breast cancer. One mass was found on her ovaries and one in her kidney. Until the tumors were surgically removed and tests performed, it was uncertain which one of her breast cancers had spread to other organs. The mass in her kidney was discovered to be unrelated to her breast cancers, changing the course of her treatment and ultimately her diagnosis from two synchronous cancers to three. The mass in her ovary was determined to be benign. As a preventative measure, though, her ovaries were surgically removed due to the aggressive nature of triple-positive breast cancers. Valerie’s last treatment was October, 2024.
“And I remember getting off the phone—and then thanking God—because if not for breast cancer, they never would have found kidney cancer until it was too late.”
– Valerie Carmona
Valerie’s Message
Valerie’s case is not a cautionary tale but rather an inspiring example of excellent care combined with patient advocacy. Having three synchronous cancers is extremely rare, with the incidence of multiple primary cancers being about 1.63% of all cancer patients. The rarity of a hospital performing and meeting the challenges for a case like Valerie’s is as rare as her situation. Not all hospitals can operate swiftly and devotedly like our community hospital does. Its uniqueness reflects the dedication of our doctors and researchers towards their patients.
Valerie spoke of:
- All her concerns were answered, and solutions were found.
- Her treatment began quickly.
- She felt at home where she was being treated.
- She felt connected to her oncologist.
- She was well taken care of by hospital staff.
“There’s a part of cancer that, like, people don’t really talk about. So—you can’t go back to the life you had prior to cancer. You can’t, because you’re a different person. And you can’t stay in a state of survival mode—fighting, battling, surgery, scans—that’s over, to a certain extent.”
– Valerie Carmona
How Do You Move On Once Cancer Treatments Are Over?
Valerie shared, “You have to find a new way to kind of navigate, not necessarily having cancer, but still having all the trauma that you didn’t have time to process for the year that you were just trying to get through it. So that’s where I’m at right now.”
Valerie is currently utilizing our survivorship program, which allows our patients to speak to a psycho-oncologist. These experts specialize in grief and trauma. They help the process of navigating a new normal to ease our patients’ way.
Anyone looking for support in trauma and grief, we recommend you reach out to Dr. Gowrinathan for a consultation.
Valerie’s surgical and medical care team will speak on camera to discuss in-depth a multi-disciplinary approach to treating synchronous cancers in one patient at the end of July 2025. A link will be provided.
Valerie’s Medical and Surgical Doctors
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Janie Grumley, MD, FACS, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Director, Comprehensive Breast Program, Margie Petersen Breast Center
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Parvin Peddi, MD, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology and Director, Breast Medical Oncology Margie Petersen Breast Center
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Jennifer Linehan, MD, Urologic Oncologist, Director of Urology Translational Research
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Hyo K. Park, MD, Gynecologic Surgical Oncologist Women’s Health and Wellness Institute, Saint John’s Health Center
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