Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Renewed Hope

May 2026

Laura Phelps conquered breast cancer once and had just celebrated five years being cancer-free when the unthinkable happened: she felt a lump. It was small, no bigger than a pea, but its presence sent a shock wave through her.

"This can't be happening again," she thought to herself, but the small lump began to grow quickly and she scheduled an appointment to see her oncologist.

According to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, those diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer can face a risk of local recurrence after standard treatment. That’s why ongoing screening remains so important.

During Laura’s first battle with breast cancer in 2019, she underwent a double mastectomy, a surgery that removed all her breast tissue, including the skin, nipple, and areola. That’s when she first met Todd Willcox, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive surgery at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor.

Laura remembers her first meeting with Dr. Willcox vividly. His down-to-earth demeanor calmed her racing heart and she was immediately put at ease. She explained her decision: “I did not want to be without breasts, or with one breast, and I wanted to understand my options.”

Breast cancer patients have several reconstruction options including implants, or tissue (flap) reconstruction, which utilizes the patient's own tissue. Laura chose implants and proceeded with her surgeries with Dr. Willcox.

Dr. Willcox has dedicated more than 25 years to restoring hope and confidence for women like Laura, facing life-altering effects of breast cancer.

“Dr. Willcox may not have cured my cancer or removed the cancer, but he definitely saved my soul,” she affirmed, her voice filled with gratitude. Seeing patients locally and from across Washington state, Dr. Willcox and his entire team pride themselves on their compassionate and expert care.

"We get to see patients through their journey and truly change their lives, which is an incredibly rewarding feeling," he said.

When Laura's cancer returned in the summer of 2024, she faced another round of treatment. This time, the treatment plan involved a lumpectomy to remove the cancer, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Even with a hopeful prognosis, the thought of undergoing a second treatment was traumatic, and the fear of losing her implants added to her pain. She immediately sought Dr. Willcox’s advice. He assured her, just as he had done years before, and she proceeded with her treatments.

A year later, Laura is living vibrantly and cancer-free in Seabeck with her family and beloved dog. Fortunately, her latest treatment did not lead to immediate reconstruction needs but she knows the team she can rely on should the need arise in the future.

Her journey stands as a testament to resilience, the power of advocacy, and the profound impact of compassionate care from doctors like Dr. Willcox.

The multidisciplinary team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health works together on all aspects of treatment, recovery and reconstruction for patients with breast cancer. Dr. Willcox currently sees patients in Gig Harbor and Silverdale, Washington.