At just 25 years old, Lauren Lee has already faced more challenges than most people will in a lifetime. A patient access representative at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, Lauren is a two-time cancer fighter, first overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma as a child and now courageously battling breast cancer as a young adult. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of compassionate care during life’s most difficult moments.
Lee’s cancer journey began when she was only 11 years old, when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and, after seven long months, she was declared cancer-free.
That experience left an indelible mark on her life. “I remember one nurse kissing my head during my first chemo and telling me everything would be okay,” Lee recalled. “That moment stuck with me. It showed me how powerful kindness and compassion can be during the hardest times.”
Because childhood radiation can increase the risk of secondary cancers, Lee remained vigilant about regular follow-ups. That proactive approach would ultimately make a life-saving difference.
A second diagnosis—and hope
Shortly after turning 25, Lee’s care team recommended she begin breast cancer screening earlier than most people, given her medical history. During a routine breast MRI, doctors noticed something unusual. A follow-up mammogram and biopsy confirmed the life-changing news: HER2-positive breast cancer.
The diagnosis was frightening, but from the very beginning, her oncologist, Dr. Asha Ricciuti, offered hope and clarity. “She told me my cancer was treatable and curable,” Lee said. “Those words gave me strength to face what was ahead.”
Dr. Ricciuti has been by Lee’s side every step of the way, even calling her personally after her very first chemotherapy treatment just to check in. “It meant so much to me that she took the time to do that,” Lee said. “It made me feel truly cared for, not just as a patient, but as a person.”
A supportive team
Lee is currently undergoing chemotherapy, a vital part of her treatment plan, while also preparing for the next phase of her journey. Earlier this year, she underwent a double mastectomy, a decision made to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning in the future.
Facing surgery was one of Lee’s biggest fears. Just a year earlier, she had been placed in a medically induced coma after a case of pneumonia turned septic, leading to multi-organ failure. “I was absolutely terrified of going under anesthesia again,” Lee admitted. “I kept thinking about not waking up.”
But once again, the compassionate care team at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital helped her face that fear head-on. Her breast surgeon, Dr. Kaitlin Farrell, personally called to check on her and took the time to walk through every step of the procedure. “Dr. Farrell made me feel so at ease before surgery,” Lee said. “She answered every question, eased every fear, and reminded me I wasn’t going through this alone.”
Lee’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Christine Plikaitis, has also played a pivotal role, allowing her to take the reconstruction process at her own pace. “She’s never rushed me,” Lee said. “She reminds me that this is my body and my decision. She wants me to be happy with the outcome, no matter how long it takes.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of Lee’s care is that every physician on her team, from oncology to surgery to reconstruction, is a woman. “Being surrounded by women who understand what this experience is like has been incredibly comforting,” she said. “They’ve made me feel seen, understood, and supported in ways I didn’t know I needed.”
Inspiring others
While Lee’s journey is far from over, she continues to face each step of treatment with determination and courage. Despite the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy, she remains focused on her recovery and continues her work helping others navigate their own care as part of the patient access team at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
“I share my story because I want others, especially young people and childhood cancer survivors, to know that proactive screening and trusting your care team can save your life,” she said. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And you’re stronger than you think.”
Learn more about breast health and breast care at SSM Health.
