Kirsten Vulgamott, a registered nurse then working in UT Health Tyler’s emergency department, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma when she was 12 weeks pregnant. After discovering redness and a lump under her left breast following a night shift, Vulgamott initiated a series of medical evaluations that confirmed the presence of breast cancer. Her comprehensive treatment included surgery performed by Dr. Christine Moulds-Merritt and subsequent chemotherapy and radiation, all managed by oncologist Dr. Marc Usrey with UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center. This care was provided through UT Health East Texas facilities and physicians. Vulgamott navigated this significant health challenge during her first pregnancy, continuing her professional work for a portion of the treatment period.
The initial discovery of the lump and redness after getting out of the shower immediately caused Vulgamott distress. She described that, between the pregnancy hormones and being up all night working, her thoughts went to "the worst thing possible." Despite her initial apprehension, she hoped the lump might be related to pregnancy hormones or mastitis, especially given that it was her first pregnancy after months of trying to conceive. She sought medical attention, leading to the area being lanced under the belief it was an abscess. However, when the lump had not healed after three weeks, Vulgamott went to the UT Health East Texas Breast Center for an ultrasound. During this examination, she realized the gravity of the situation as measurements were taken in her armpit, confirming a mass. A biopsy followed, and the next day, Vulgamott received the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, which is a commonly diagnosed type of breast cancer.
Following her diagnosis, Vulgamott consciously chose to limit her internet searches, adhering to the same advice she gives her own patients. She allowed herself one search: to ascertain the rarity of breast cancer diagnoses in 34-year-old pregnant women, confirming her suspicion that it was uncommon. A significant source of hope emerged when she met her oncologist, Dr. Marc Usrey, just days after her diagnosis. Dr. Usrey informed her she was his second patient treated for breast cancer during pregnancy and connected her with the other patient, who was doing well several years post-diagnosis. Hearing from someone who had navigated a similar diagnosis while pregnant provided Vulgamott with much-needed comfort. Later that week, she met breast surgeon Dr. Christine Moulds-Merritt, and the following day, Vulgamott underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor.
Dr. Moulds-Merritt noted that the meeting with Vulgamott was memorable, as Vulgamott was the first patient Dr. Moulds-Merritt saw after joining UT Health East Texas, having previously maintained a surgical practice in Longview for an extended period. Dr. Moulds-Merritt recalled considering the unique situation of caring for Vulgamott as an expectant mother and a patient simultaneously. Vulgamott described going into surgery while pregnant as nerve-wracking but found reassurance in hearing her baby’s heartbeat both before and after the procedure. After four weeks of recovery from surgery, Vulgamott began chemotherapy when she was approximately 20 weeks pregnant. She characterized the start of chemotherapy as absolutely terrifying, but within a few days, she realized she could manage the treatment.
Vulgamott continued to work until she was 34 weeks pregnant, explaining that staying busy helped her to manage the emotional and mental toll of her situation. Her chemotherapy regimen extended through much of her pregnancy, with a planned six-week pause to allow for the birth of her daughter, Hazel. After Hazel’s birth, Vulgamott resumed her cancer treatment, undergoing additional chemotherapy sessions and later completing 35 rounds of radiation therapy. Following Hazel's arrival, Vulgamott took time away from her professional duties to recover from the intensive treatments. She found caring for a newborn while also undergoing radiation treatment to be exhausting but also saw it as a blessing, providing a joyful focus during a challenging period, as it allowed her to stay home with Hazel for a while.
Vulgamott eventually returned to UT Health Tyler, where she now works as a nurse in pre-operative day surgery. This schedule offers her more time with her daughter, Hazel, who will turn four in December. In her current role, Vulgamott frequently interacts with many of the physicians who were integral to her cancer care. She also finds that she no longer dwells on her cancer experience as much. Today, Vulgamott leverages her dual experience as a nurse and a cancer survivor to offer support and encouragement to patients facing their own daunting diagnoses. Dr. Moulds-Merritt frequently sees Vulgamott at work, noting that Vulgamott has become a source of encouragement for both staff and patients, readily offering support to those who are scared, signifying that things have “come full circle.” Vulgamott conveys a message of resilience, noting that individuals often do not realize their own strength until they are confronted with such trials.
