Beaufort Nurse Overcomes Breast Cancer with Community Support and Resilience

Beaufort’s Own Connie Pope: A Journey from Nurse to Cancer Survivor

In the picturesque city of Beaufort, South Carolina, the story of Constance (Connie) Pope stands as a testament to resilience, strength, and the unwavering power of community. A devoted mother of three, a major in the South Carolina National Guard, and a registered nurse at Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s oncology floor, Connie’s life seemed well on track. However, in late 2019, everything took a dramatic turn when she began to feel an unusual pain in her chest and abdomen.

Initially, she and her primary care physician considered it a gastrointestinal problem. But by early 2020, a concerning lump had surfaced on her chest, leading to a cascade of appointments and tests that would soon transform her life.

From the Battle Zone to the Hospital Floor

Reflecting on her journey, Connie explained that her path began 15 years ago in the Florida National Guard, where she served as a specialist, escorting convoys through the Iraqi desert. “I joined the Guard while studying at Florida A&M University, driven by a sincere sense of duty,” she recalled. Connie brought this same mentality home after returning to Beaufort in 2013 to pursue her next challenge: nursing.

Enrolling at Trident Technical College in Charleston while working as a certified nursing assistant, Connie quickly fell in love with oncology. “Oncology has always been close to my heart,” she shared. “There’s just something about the patients. You feel good about the work you do.” Her passion for patient care propelled her through nursing school, and upon graduating in 2015, she joined the oncology team at Beaufort Memorial as a registered nurse, eventually becoming the clinical coordinator in 2019.

Receiving the Diagnosis

But just as life seemed to settle, Connie faced the unthinkable. In March 2020, after noticing the lump, she was quickly referred to the Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Center. “The doctor told me that it looked like breast cancer, and I’d need a biopsy the very next day,” Connie recalled, still in shock. At just 37 years old and in peak physical condition due to her service with the Guard, the diagnosis felt unreal.

When the results came in, Dr. Jonathan Briggs, a board-certified radiation oncologist at the Keyserling Cancer Center, delivered the overwhelming news: it was an aggressive type of cancer. He explained that treatment would involve neoadjuvant chemotherapy, to be followed by postoperative radiation therapy.

“I was attending annual training with the Guard when I got the news. They sent me home, emphasizing that I needed to focus on my health,” Connie said, underscoring how her military experience prepared her for battle but not for this personal fight.

The Heartwarming Support System

The diagnosis stunned Connie’s friends and family, including her husband Jeremy, whom she had married just three months prior. “I encouraged everyone around me to stay positive,” she said. “That support is what I needed too.” Connie cherished the moments spent praying with her mother and found great comfort in the practical help offered by her family, buddies, and their three lovely daughters—Aleeyah, Iyana, and Niquava.

Such an incredible support system enabled Connie to continue working in her clinical role during chemotherapy. She expressed gratitude to her colleagues in both the Guard and oncology, who rallied around her during this challenging time. “Connie is a joy to work with,” shared Chimene Heyward, BMH breast care navigator. “She educated herself about her diagnosis and treatment, showing an inspiring commitment to her recovery.”

Recovery and Remission

Throughout this journey, Connie felt enveloped in compassion. “Every time I visited the Breast Center, the staff was amazing. They didn’t assume I understood everything because I was a nurse. They took the time to explain things, making me feel supported,” she said.

Indeed, the teamwork and compassion from the medical staff empowered Connie greatly during her treatment. After the chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Dr. Briggs noted that Connie showed a “complete response” and continues to be vigilant with routine follow-ups.

Fast forward to today, Connie is not only a cancer survivor for four years but has also completed a master’s program to become a nurse practitioner. She’s now utilizing her nurse skills at Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, concentrating on adult medicine.

“My daughters have seen me at my weakest and strong, and I can only feel grateful for the journey we’ve shared,” Connie reflected. Her ordeal not only reinforced familial bonds but showcased the intricacies of life that come through not only care but sheer determination.

As we celebrate the significant milestone of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stories like Connie’s remind us of the importance of early detection and the incredible strength found in community support. To learn more about breast cancer, diagnosis, and screenings, local resources are available to ensure we’re all informed and empowered.