Joyce

Joyce enjoys good conversation with friends, a nice cup of coffee, boating with her husband, reading a book, and doing puzzles. She is married to her best friend Les, who stood with her faithfully during her cancer journey. Joyce worked at Walnut Creek Foods for 13 years and retired at the end of 2025.

During a mammogram in December 2023, a lump was found in her left breast and she was diagnosed with an aggressive breast duct carcinoma. Her focus was on getting rid of the cancer, so she underwent a double mastectomy. At the time she thought, “who cares if I have no boobs!” Later, she realized she DID care and was so glad to have options.

After developing an infection with implants, she opted for a DIEP flap reconstruction using tissue from her abdomen. Dr. Shayda Mirhaidari was her surgeon.

“I love my new belly boobs!” Joyce says, adding: “And I love Dr. Mirhaidari. She is gentle, soft-spoken, yet firm. She knows her stuff!”

Joyce is honored to walk the Pink Runway and hopes she can encourage other women with breast cancer. She also offers this advice: “Keep a positive attitude. I’m a believer and I talked with God every day—sometimes all day. Faith and keeping a positive attitude are so important!”