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Cynthia Quijas-Barker was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer on July 9. She knew exactly what that meant.

For over a year, she has served as the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) RN coordinator at the Women’s Health Center, 225 S. Union Boulevard. WWC is part of Peak Vista Community Health Centers. Having worked with breast cancer patients and survivors, Cynthia knew it could be a long road to recovery and she prepared herself.

“Due to my age and the size of the cancer lesions, I opted for a double mastectomy,” Cynthia said. “The final pathology on my double mastectomy revealed areas of micro-invasive cancer.”

Her hormone receptor tests were negative, which made her cancer a triple-negative invasive carcinoma, meaning it was more aggressive and difficult to treat than originally thought.

“Initially, my medical team thought surgery would be the cure for me, so I was disappointed to learn this was not the case,” she said.

Cynthia, 37, grew up in a military family and settled in Colorado when her father retired from the Army. After living in Fort Collins for 18 years with her husband Chris Barker and son Dylan, she moved back to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. She has received kindness and support from her family, friends and coworkers throughout her cancer journey and said working at Peak Vista during has been a blessing.

“My experience with breast cancer has been one of optimism,” Cynthia said. “My medical team has been wonderful. They have, at every step, given me options and allowed me the time to make decisions. I have never felt like just a name on a chart.”

Cynthia started chemotherapy on September 29, and is scheduled to have four treatments over the next 12 weeks. The last one will be two weeks before Christmas. Then, she can move forward with reconstruction and a life free from cancer.

Cynthia’s knowledge about breast cancer was beneficial and helped lead to early detection. Even though her cancer is invasive, it was caught at an early stage and is treatable.

“As the coordinator for the WWC Program, it’s my responsibility to case manage patients with abnormal mammogram and Pap smear results,” she said. “I felt it was my responsibility to get checked. How can I expect my patients to follow through for their health if I’m not?” My knowledge about treatments and medications means I know my enemy and am prepared to fight.”

Along with the clinic providers and nurses she works with, Cynthia is also a part of the Pikes Peak Breast Health Coalition, which includes women from Penrose-St. Francis Health Care Services, American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Cynthia has been the team captain for Peak Vista’s Race for the Cure team for two years and helped raise $1,700 this year. She is also involved with Peak Vista’s grant program for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and helps to issue vouchers and manage funds. Getting involved has always been important to her, but even more so now that she has walked the cancer journey herself.

“I want to stress the importance of knowing your body,” she said. “Listen to that inner voice because it is your responsibility to act in your best interest. Be your own advocate, speak up and ask questions.”

Breast cancer survivor Cynthia Quijas-Barker participates in the 2014 Race for the Cure with her husband Chris Barker and son Dylan Barker. Courtesy of Cynthia Quijas-Barker