The Screening That Saved Her Life: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Local Journey

9/15/2025

Pink was never Stephanie Schuckenbrock’s color. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2024, she began to develop a newfound fondness for it.

“I did everything right,” Schuckenbrock said. “I did self-exams, but I never felt a lump. I got my yearly mammograms. I felt completely fine—nothing was wrong.”

For years, scheduling her annual mammogram had been a part of her routine. So when a phone notification reminded her to book her annual screening at the DeTar Imaging Center this past December, she thought nothing of it. But this time, that annual mammogram would save her life.

Two days before Christmas, while most people were wrapping gifts and preparing for family gatherings, Schuckenbrock found herself sitting in Dr. Melissa Wilson’s office at Victoria Women's Clinic, grappling with life-changing news. “It was a shock I had to sit with during Christmas,” Schuckenbrock said. “A day or two after the holiday, I had an ultrasound, and no one liked how it looked. Finally, Dr. Santiago Marroquin ordered a needle biopsy. It showed that there were cancer cells in my breast.” Her diagnosis: estrogen- and progesterone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

But from the very beginning, Schuckenbrock approached her diagnosis with a calm clarity that surprised even those around her.

“Through all of this, people tell me I’ve been very positive. I told them, ‘as long as I knew what was going on and I understood it, there was no reason for me to be anxious,’” Schuckenbrock said. Part of her strength came from the trusted care team at DeTar Healthcare System, including Dr. Tanweer H. Majid’s lighthearted frankness and Dr. Sara Ashraf’s clear communication at DeTar Cancer Center. “I haven’t looked up anything about my type of cancer or my treatment,” she said. “I never have, and I will never turn to Dr. Google when I can turn to my colleagues for help.”

After 19 years working at DeTar Healthcare System, most recently as director of orthopedics and bariatrics, she had always been the one supporting others through their medical journeys. Now, it was her turn to be cared for. On February 12, Dr. Majid performed her lumpectomy. “Dr. Majid kept everything lighthearted—drawing cartoon images to answer my questions while still being honest about what was happening,” Schuckenbrock said. “I didn’t feel so nervous after speaking with him.”

Radiation treatment followed in April at DeTar Cancer Center. Her and her family were thankful she didn’t have to leave town for her care.

“It was such a blessing being able to get my cancer treatments here in town,” Schuckenbrock said. “People asked me if I was going to drive to Houston, and I just kept thinking, ‘Why leave when I can stay home and not fight traffic to get the care I need.’”

As her treatment progressed, Schuckenbrock found her own way to say thank you—through food. “They took care of me, so I wanted to do something to take care of them,” she said.

Support came from every corner of her life. Her husband of 19 years, Luke, and their sons Gunner (17) and Austin (15) were right by her side, along with a tight-knit group of friends and colleagues. “The waiting—that’s always the hardest part, whether it’s for insurance or test results,” Schuckenbrock said. “I would get uneasy sometimes and try not to let my mind jump to the worst-case scenario. I asked my boys how they felt about my diagnosis, and since they knew I wasn’t worried, they weren’t worried either.” Even after ringing the bell at DeTar Cancer Center, signifying the end of radiation, Schuckenbrock’s journey continued. In May, she underwent a total hysterectomy as a preventative measure. “We didn’t want to risk my cancer coming back,” Schuckenbrock said. “The radiation changed my body, and I’m still trying to get used to those changes.”

But one moment, in particular, helped everything click: signing Crossroads Guardians of Hope’s pink firetruck. It was a symbolic gesture, but for her, it was deeply personal—a recognition that she had joined the ranks of survivors. This October, as breast cancer awareness month paints the world pink, Schuckenbrock sees it all through new eyes. “I think about all the breast cancer awareness things we do here at DeTar and all the pink merch I’ve seen over the years—it means something different to me now,” she said. “When people get those little pink footballs that say ‘Get your mammo,’ I hope they listen and actually schedule that appointment. My annual mammogram saved my life—and it could save yours, too.”

Schedule Your Mammogram

To schedule your mammogram appointment, visit www.detar.com or call DeTar Imaging Center at 361-788-6411. To find a primary care doctor, visit www.mydetardoctor.com.

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