Inspiring Others After Overcoming Diagnosis

Former El Camino College dean shares message of hope after expert care, a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude lead to long-term remission.

When Debra Breckheimer learned she had high-grade, lymph node-positive breast cancer in February 2012 at age 52, she knew she was facing a challenging diagnosis. But she also knew she had a lot to live for—including her two children, who were in high school and college at the time.

“I lost my husband to glioblastoma in 2004, and although I was shocked and scared when I was diagnosed, I knew I had to keep fighting,” said Debra. “There was no way my kids were going to be without a parent at their ages.”

Finding Strength and Success

Inspired by her late husband’s strength, positivity and determination during his life and throughout his illness, Debra did everything she could to boost her chances of treatment success. Under the care of Torrance Memorial Medical Center breast medical oncologist David Chan, MD, whom Debra described as her “champion,” she underwent a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy, radiation and long-term anti-estrogen therapy. She also participated in a few clinical trials at different stages of her treatment, including one long-term study that lasted 10 years.

Debra Breckheimer calls Dr. David Chan her 'champion' for the care her provider her after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Photo by Vincent Rios.

“Debra had a large tumor that measured 9 cm, and all 56 of her lymph nodes tested positive for cancer,” says Dr. Chan. “But what was most remarkable about Debra was how hard she worked to make lifestyle changes that would give her the best possible chance of a good outcome.”

That included eating nutritious foods, exercising and taking steps to prevent side effects—even during the most challenging stages of her treatment. “After having so many lymph nodes removed, I was at high risk for swelling and loss of mobility in my arm due to the large axillary dissection and swelling from lymphedema,” says Debra. “I didn’t need a swollen arm on top of everything else, so I did all the exercises my care team told me to do. I also walked outside almost every day—even when I felt my worst. After I was allowed, I started lifting weights. I did as much as I could.”

Healthy Habits Reduce Risk of Recurrence

During her nine months of treatment, Debra only took eight weeks off from her job as an English professor at El Camino College. Her students, she says, helped her stay busy—and watching her children grow into adulthood kept her in the fight.

When her treatment and breast reconstruction were in the rearview mirror, Debra continued to keep up with her healthy habits. She accepted a new position as dean of humanities at El Camino College in 2018 and maintained her active lifestyle. Today, after being in remission for more than a decade, Debra says she is feeling healthy, fit and “beyond grateful.”

“Regular exercise and a healthy diet improve immune function and lower insulin levels, resulting in more than a 50% reduction of recurrence risk,” says Dr. Chan. “At Torrance Memorial, we incorporate lifestyle changes into our cancer care recommendations, and as a result our patients have better long-term survival rates. Debra took our advice to heart.”

“I had rough days, for sure, but I did my best to live by the adage that attitude determines experience—but sadly, not always outcome,” said Debra. “However, it helps you and those on the journey with you to do your best to stay as positive as you can.”

Breckheimer maintains a healthy lifestyle following her breast cancer diagnosis and recovery. 'Regular exercise and a healthy diet improve immune function and lower insulin levels, resulting in more than a 50% reduction of recurrence risk,' says Dr. David Chan, an oncologist with Torrance Memorial. Photo courtesy Debra Breckheimer.

Sharing Her Message with Others

Since retiring in June 2023, Debra has been traveling and enjoying her free time. But now, she’s ready to share her message of positivity, resilience and hope through a new venture. She is working on a certification in holistic nutrition and hopes to launch a second career as a certified nutrition coach helping people who face a cancer diagnosis—or any other diagnosis where good nutrition can help promote well-being.

“I’ve spoken to many people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer over the years, but I want to do more,” said Debra. “I’m thankful for the care I received, and I am passionate about nutrition and exercise. I want to give back; I am hoping my story and what I learned will inspire others to have hope and try to fight this frightening disease from every angle.”