Nikki Wheeler was born into a high-risk situation. Breast cancer was a threat to Wheeler in a much higher sense, statistically, than the average woman.

Her mom, aunt and cousin had all tested positive for the genetic mutation that is believed to cause breast cancer. Her grandmother was a two-time breast cancer survivor.

This knowledge haunted Wheeler throughout her life. She pleaded with numerous doctors to be regularly checked and have routine mammograms performed. 

At the age of 34, she went to a breast specialist to be tested for the genetic mutation. The results confirmed Wheelers suspicion, returning positive. The doctor performed a mammogram on Wheeler and decided she needed to have a biopsy done as soon as possible. Two days later, the biopsy was being examined by doctors. The results showed Wheeler had stage 1 invasive carcinoma breast cancer.

Doctors performed a double mastectomy on Wheeler to remove the cancerous tissue. After the surgery, more tests were run to ensure all cancer had been removed. The tests revealed that the aggressive cancer had already reached her lymph nodes.

Because of the reach of the cancer, Wheeler had to undergo chemotherapy treatments to remove the cancer completely. These treatments lasted 12 weeks.

Wheeler’s body did not receive the chemotherapy well. While she went through chemo, she had someone stay with her at home to help her through everyday tasks.

“It was so rough on my body, I couldn’t do anything to take care of myself,” Wheeler said. “I was trying to raise my kids and run the house, and suddenly I was incapable of even caring my own basic needs.”

Since moving to Pell City in 1996, Wheeler has developed strong relationships with her neighbors and friends. Upon her diagnosis and throughout her treatments, she was showered in support, and the encouragement she received from the community was the most meaningful gift she could have asked for.

“Just having people in your life to let you know you’re in their thoughts and prayers is priceless,” Wheeler said. “I never went a day without someone reaching out to me in some way to let me know I was not alone.”

Wheeler felt the overwhelming need to stay strong during her treatments, even though it was difficult to put a brave face on. Staying strong wasn’t simply for her benefit, but for that of her children.

“I’m raising four boys right now, and I needed to be there for them,” Wheeler said. “We kept an open communication between them, my fiancé and I to make sure they knew what was going on and felt comfortable with it. They were my rock throughout the fight but I still wanted to them to know they could lean on me as they processed everything, as well.”

In November 2014, Wheeler completed her difficult chemo treatments and was able to regain her independence. In December, she was declared cancer-free. For women who think testing is only necessary after they discover an issue, Wheeler disagrees. She believes that testing should not require symptoms to flare.

“Just because you don’t feel sick or don’t feel any abnormalities does not mean you don’t have cancer,” Wheeler said. “I had absolutely no symptoms, and had I not pushed I would not have gotten a mammogram for years — and it could have been too late.”

Wheeler urges women to be their own advocate for early testing and to stand their ground when it comes to their own health.