From breast cancer diagnosis to cancer-free, with support every step of the way

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

After a challenging two-year journey of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and rehabilitation, Tiffany Darring is now cancer-free. She credits recovery to her faith, resilience, and the dedicated care team at IU Health North and the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center.

Tiffany Darring has a smile and presence that immediately puts people at ease. She loves teaching piano to children and adults, and she is deeply rooted in her faith. What you may not know from looking at her is she is also now cancer-free, but the journey to get here was a long one.

It started with a lump in her right breast in 2022. Her doctor recommended she get a mammogram, and after a biopsy in 2023, breast cancer was discovered in both breasts as well a lymph node on her right side.

“I had invasive ductal carcinoma in the right [breast] and the in left it was ductal carcinoma in situ,” Darring recalls.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the earliest form of breast cancer, where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread to surrounding breast tissue.

Establishing treatment

Darring connected with Dr. Kandice Ludwig, a breast surgeon at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center.

“I was working at a preschool at the time and was cramming in appointments on my lunch break,” Darring says. “I had a ton of information to go over, but I will say that IU Health was amazing. They really helped me prepare for what was coming.”

That same year, Darring began chemotherapy, six cycles every three weeks. She experienced severe side effects, including a high fever and compromised immune system, which required hospitalization. She worked with her oncologist, Dr. Nawal Kassem, to adjust the treatments to be easier on her body.

From there, she underwent a double mastectomy surgery with Dr. Ludwig. She began seeing two members of the occupational therapy team afterward.

The next step in her treatment journey was radiation, undergoing five weeks, focusing on her right breast and lymph nodes. She worked with Dr. Namita Agrawal, a radiation oncologist at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center.

“I had a huge radiation radius. Dr. Agrawal recommended I work with the occupational therapists for inflammation and swelling,” Darring explains.

Finding support through rehabilitation

Beth Maier and Carrie Morris were the occupational therapists who worked with Darring

Maier is a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) and certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). She started seeing Darring after her first surgery and then again after radiation.

“I worked with her to address the swelling in her left hand, tissue tightness that was happening in her chest wall and in her left arm that had developed after surgery,” Maier explains. “She had also developed axillary web syndrome, and so at that point in time, we were addressing the last of that. It can be very painful and limits the patient's ability to raise their arm up. It looks and feels like ‘cords’ or ‘guitar strings’ that usually start in the armpit, where lymph nodes have been removed, and extend down the arm.”

Morris, an occupational therapist (OT) and a certified lymphedema therapist, began working with Darring in October 2023 following her breast cancer surgery.

“Due to the nature of her diagnosis, she underwent chemotherapy prior to surgery and radiation afterward. Our initial focus was on managing post-surgical and post-radiation tightness, swelling, weakness and limited range of motion,” Morris says. “Later, Tiffany underwent reconstructive surgery, which required a significant recovery period. We supported her through that process and her subsequent revision surgeries, helping her manage swelling, scar tissue, mobility and strength throughout.”

“Beth and Carrie, they were amazing,” Darring adds. “They helped me feel normal.”

Additional treatment protocols

In early 2024, Darring began 14 cycles of immunotherapy treatment.

In June of that year, she also underwent a DIEP flap surgery, a type of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy that uses the patient’s own lower abdominal skin and fat, along with the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) perforator blood vessels, to create a new breast. She also underwent two more revision surgeries, one in 2024 and one in early 2025. These were performed by Dr. Mary Lester, a plastic surgeon with IU Health.

Through each step of her journey, the rehabilitation team was there to help her body regain function.

During a visit with her oncologist, Dr. Kassem, Darring mentioned she was having some pain in her hip. Dr. Kassem recommended Darring see a physical therapist.

Starting physical therapy

Darring began seeing Tom Gallinaro, a physical therapist (PT) and board-certified orthopedic specialist (DPT, OCS) at IU Health North, in June of this year.

“I began seeing Tiffany for a hip bursitis problem,” Gallinaro explains.

Hip bursitis is a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint.

“That was helped out so much,” Darring says. “I can sleep on my side, and it doesn't hurt when I wake up.”

“She is honestly such a sweet person, and she has such a fantastic view on life with her medical history and cancer diagnosis,” Gallinaro adds. “It was very easy to develop a great relationship with her.”

Darring has been discharged from both occupational and physical therapy.

“That team has angel hands. They're the hands of God. They have the ability to help you feel normal,” she says.

“I feel that it is partnership between therapist and patient to navigate through this type of treatment since it is very much a marathon and not a sprint,” Maier adds.  I feel honored to work with patients such as Tiffany. Going through breast cancer treatment is not easy and I am happy that I can help them during this challenging time in their lives.”

Morris wants her patients to know they are not alone in their journey.

“I take an encouraging and compassionate approach. I want patients to know they’re not alone—what they’re experiencing is expected, and we’re here to help guide them through it,” she says. “Tiffany is truly one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met. She radiates light, inside and out, and anyone who meets her feels it instantly. She’s an inspiration, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life.”

Spreading hope

In 2024, Darring learned she is cancer-free. Despite her years-long journey, she kept a positive attitude, which she attributes to her faith and the loved ones who supported her. Now, she hopes to inspire others going through a similar experience.

“I’m glad I came to IU Health North. But it’s also about having a support system, having faith, and following the protocols the doctors give you,” she says, “I’m so grateful for everyone at IU Health who helped me. Every single person was so supportive, and I hope they know they made a difference in my journey.”

To learn more about IU Health’s breast cancer services, visit iuhealth.org/breastcancer.