Dr. Peggy Pritchett was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 while living in St. Louis. 11 years later, she was residing in NW Indiana and was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. She was referred to Dr. Peter Tothy of Northwest Cancer Centers.
“I felt an overwhelming feeling of dread and sadness. When the radiologist found the cancer, I knew it was going to be very serious. It was a life or death situation in my mind, and from there I chose life,” she said.
After treating and monitoring the second breast cancer diagnosis for 7 years, she felt confident about what the future had in store. Then for a 3rd time Dr. Peggy received potentially devastating news. It was 2019 and she was diagnosed by Dr. Tothy with not only metastatic breast cancer in her right lung, but also a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. From there, Dr.Tothy immediately referred her to Dr. Jayesh Mehta, a renowned hematologist in Chicago.
“The multiple myeloma was the most life-threatening so Dr. Tothy sent me to a specialist for this. I was treated at Prentice Women's Hospital in August 2019 in preparation for the stem cell transplant that was to take place January 2020. Dr. Mehta had hoped the stem cell transplant would eradicate both the multiple myeloma and cancer in my right lung, but it did not. I’m doing much better now and my numbers are being managed and carefully monitored by Dr. Tothy and the team,” she said.
Dr. Peggy says having a strong belief system is what gets her through adversity and stay strong. “For me, that system is Jesus Christ. I am a member of the Hobart Church of Christ…I’m sustained by the trust in God and the support of families, doctors and nurses alike. I'm motivated to live and would advise everybody to fight. You can’t fight lying down. You have to stand up, fight and have a positive attitude. That’s girl power!”
Dr. Peggy continues to be treated every 4 weeks on an immunotherapy treatment under the care of Dr. Tothy. “My life has changed for the better since 2022. In May of 2022 I founded a nonprofit organization named Dr. Peggy Winston Pritchett's Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. The organization was founded on the principle that we could use Karaoke singing as a means to impact the lives of breast cancer survivors and patients by giving them gifts. The foundation is doing business as "Dr. Peggy's Karaoke for the Cure". We host Karaoke events in which donations of $25 are collected then used to help purchase wigs, scarves and chemo bundles (MK hydrating lotions) that are given as gifts to breast cancer survivors and patients.”
"Dr. Peggy's Karaoke for the Cure". works collaboratively with Northwest Cancer Centers and all of the donated wigs & gifts are distributed to survivors at the Crown Point location who have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Peggy reflects, “I know firsthand what it feels like to suffer hair loss. I have had to regrow my hair back twice due to receiving life-saving chemotherapy. I also know firsthand what it feels like to receive prayers, love, kindness and support from people I have never met… Our thoughts are that those who have suffer hair loss due to being treated for breast cancer-deserve a free wig! Our goal is to help survivors maintain, their self-esteem and confidence through hair loss by giving gifts that may aid in that process.”
Dr. Peggy is a 23-year three time breast cancer survivor, has been diagnosed with 4th stage breast cancer in her right lung. But over the past 9 months, has had some great news. She excitedly reports, “2 PECT scans have shown no evidence of any active cancer in my body. I rejoice in the Lord for these findings. I pray that the subsequent PECT scans are as good.”
Dr. Peggy is a published author, philanthropist, public speaker and advocate for breast cancer survivors both in NW Indiana and her home town of Hampton, Virginia.
Dr. Peggy’s relentless optimism and unbreakable spirit through her journey of multiple cases of breast cancer and multiple myeloma, is detailed in her book, My Breast Cancer Story: The Anatomy of Tears. She inspires others by sharing her story and giving hope to those going through similar circumstances.
This year's "Dr Peggy's Karaoke for the Cure- Portage fundraiser" takes place in the Oakwood Room at Woodland Park on Saturday October 26, 2024 from 5-9 p.m. This year we have added "Dr Peggy's 5k Walk for the Cause" in the park also. For more information or to donate please go contact her at (219) 298 7146.
To purchase her book My Breast Cancer Story: The Anatomy of Tears, Click Here
Note: Every patient’s cancer and treatment is unique and results are not typical of every patient undergoing treatment.
