Photo by Amy Cherry Roben Daghir, right, is shown with neighbors Nena Herzing, left, and Janine McCullough who helped organize daily dinners for the family when Daghir was recovering from breast cancer surgery.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

As the newest volunteer of the American Cancer Society Elk and Cameron County Chapter, Roben Daghir has embraced the role of spokesperson for survivorship and outreach.

In her first year with the organization, Daghir, 42, has shared her story with students at both St. Marys Area and Elk County Catholic high schools and spoke at the Elk County Relay for Life last evening as part of the Survivors Ceremony.

“The students were very warm and welcoming. They gave me a standing ovation at both schools,” Daghir said.

Daghir has a connection to both schools, as a full-time guidance counselor at St. Marys Area and the mother of 16-year-old twins Luke and Ben, who attend Elk Catholic and 8-year-old Nick, a student at St. Marys Catholic Elementary.

During her presentations at the schools, Daghir said it was her goal to create an awareness for the Relay for Life and get students involved in the event.

Inspired by her words, students took action by hosting a “pink day” throughout the school district in recognition of breast cancer awareness. As members of the ECC junior varsity basketball team, Daghir’s sons encouraged the team to wear black socks embroidered with pink breast cancer ribbons. The ECC boys varsity basketball team also joined in the “crusade” and wore white socks with pink ribbons throughout the season.

“The kids were amazing. They really stepped up,” Daghir said. “Kids from SMA would text my sons when I was recovering. The kids had as much support as I did.”

Daghir was diagnosed in September as part of her annual mammography screening at Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys. A follow-up biopsy, performed by Dr. Joseph at ERHC, was sent to Pittsburgh for confirmation.

The diagnosis revealed a DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ or intraductal carcinoma).

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 62,000 new cases of carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed this year.

As common type of carcinoma in situ, DCIS, accounts for nearly 25 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses. An estimated 178,400 cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year, and approximately 20 to 30 percent of breast cancers detected by mammography are carcinoma in situ.

Daghir explained that because the carcinoma was contained to the ducts of the breast, doctors knew they could not destroy it with radiation and advised her to consider breast removal surgery.

“My case was a perfect example of early detection,” Daghir said.”

On Oct. 30, Daghir underwent a bilateral mastectomy which included the removal of both breasts.

The 12-hour surgery was conducted at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, home to Hillman Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and patient care facilities in the nation.

“Although the cancer was contained to one breast I had the option of having one breast removed but I didn’t want to run the risk of it coming back to the other side,” Daghir said.

She noted doctor’s informed her there was a three percent risk of the cancer spreading.

“Thankfully the cancer was detected early and did not spread to the lymph nodes. I also did not have to go through chemotherapy or radiation because I chose to have both breasts removed,” Daghir said.

Her surgery also included TRAM Flap breast reconstruction, common after a mastectomy. During the procedure a flap of the lower abdominal wall fat is transferred to the intended breast area with its own blood supply. A TRAM flap leaves a horizontal scar on the abdomen.

Daghir added that her diagnosis was especially shocking as there is no family history of the disease including any of her father’s relatives where she has 21 female first cousins or on her mother’s side of the family including one female first cousin.

Following her surgery Daghir’s family, including her husband Joe, as well as their friends, neighbors, co-workers and parents of their children’s friends rallied around her in support.

Throughout her two–month recovery Daghir said neighbors Nena Herzing and Janine McCullough organized for 30 days worth of meals to be delivered to their Center Street home. Daghir returned to work at St. Marys Area High School on Jan. 5.

“Nena and Janine also took care of making sure my boys were OK and that things were covered for us at home. Also, my twin brother, Bob, and his wife, Kelly came in and stayed with the kids to get them off to school and homework, meals, practices, etc,” Daghir said.