When Cheri Fisher received her breast cancer diagnosis in November 2023, she had a feeling long before the official words were spoken. 

“I had found a spot,” Cheri said. “I just knew in a way you don’t know a hundred percent.”  

With a quiet resolve and a strong sense of faith, Cheri began her treatment journey soon after at Stillwater Cancer Center in January 2024. Over the course of the next year, she would face many challenges, often alone, but never truly without support.  

“This was something between me and God,” Cheri said. “I didn’t want someone sitting there feeling sorry for me. My husband came with me for the first chemo session to see how I would react, but after that, I came by myself every week, because he had work responsibilities in Oklahoma City. I felt like the nurses were all I needed.” 

Under the care of Dr. Scott Cole and the compassionate oncology team, Cheri found more than medical support, but connection. She fondly looks back at her time spent at the Cancer Center. 

“Who says this?” Cheri asked. “But it was a wonderful time.” 

Cheri largely credits her nurses for the outstanding experience she had while undergoing treatment.  

“I felt like I was part of their circle, and they were truly my friends,” Cheri said. “I enjoyed walking into the room and feeling like it was a home away from home. Everyone was very welcoming.”  

Yet, the walk was not always an easy one. Weak from treatment, Cheri often relied on a walker just to make it from her car to the door. There were moments when Cheri felt it was too much, sometimes contemplating calling in to cancel as she stood in the parking lot.  

But then she would muster strength and make it inside.  

“It didn’t take long for the ladies at the front to recognize me,” Cheri said. “It’s a lot easier to keep moving forward when they recognize you.” 

One nurse in particular, Brandi Larson, was a source of inspiration during her treatment, giving Cheri words of advice she still uses to this day. During a rough patch when Cheri felt very bad, Brandi gave her the courage to speak up.  

Cheri said, “When I was feeling really bad, like I couldn’t do this anymore, Brandi said, ‘You know, you have to take charge of your health. No one else can do that for you. You have to say something.’ With that, I was able to talk to my doctors, and we changed the medications, and I did a lot better after that.” 

Despite the fear and fatigue, Cheri found joy in the little moments- the laughter, the small talk, the gentle touches of each nurse, and all of them treating her more like an old friend than a patient.  

“They were always tender. Even when they had to do the tough stuff, they tried to make it hurt less,” Cheri said. “They would remember things about me, things we had talked about. I think that can be tough when you’re seeing so many different people, but to remember things I had shared that were important to me, became important to them.” 

When Cheri completed her treatment, she left behind handwritten letters and homemade magnets for the team—tokens of deep gratitude and affection. She specifically handwrote the letters to signify it being from her heart. 

Looking back, Cheri sees her journey not just as one of illness, but transformation. 

“I feel like I became a nicer person—not because I thought I was going to meet my maker, but because I realized some things just don’t matter. And I hope I keep that with me.” 

Stillwater Cancer Center was a practical choice for Cheri—close to home, with a great reputation. But what she found was something far deeper. 

As she wrote in her letter, “I was always ok with coming alone, because at a basic level, this journey was between me and God, come what may. But soon I realized God sent angels to be with me, angels in scrubs. 

“What are angels? They are beings who tend to our needs. They are selfless, kind, loving and hardworking. Throw in another adjective, professional, and it describes you all at the Stillwater Cancer Center.” 

If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, the Stillwater Cancer Center is committed to providing every patient the finest quality care in a compassionate and caring atmosphere. This innovative facility is equipped with the latest treatments, access to clinical trials and highly specialized staff who can discuss your cancer treatment options. Learn more at https://stwmedical.com/cancer-care.