Cindi Weber was stunned last summer when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a long-delayed mammogram at Methodist Charlton Medical Center.
“I had no symptoms at all,” says Cindi, a 64-year-old property manager with no family history of the disease. “I was going in [for a scan], it was routine, expected to get in and get out. I was blindsided.”
In its early and most treatable stages, it’s not uncommon for breast cancer to have no noticeable symptoms. What’s more, about 85%-90% of women diagnosed have no family history of the disease, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Now in remission, Cindi was impressed with the care she received at Methodist Charlton, especially the nurse navigators and doctors, and is glad to have the hospital in her own backyard.
“Everybody at Methodist was caring and kind and compassionate,” Cindi says. “I cannot say enough good things about the level of care I received while I was a patient there.”
OUT OF THE ROUTINE
In June 2025, Cindi had an appointment with her primary care physician, who had been encouraging her to get annual exams.
Life got in the way, and it had been a handful of years since Cindi had gotten screened for breast cancer. A mammogram at Methodist Charlton led to a diagnosis of Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, which was raised to Stage 2 after further tests.
After the shock of the initial diagnosis, Cindi felt an even more unusual emotion in such a difficult situation: peace.
“The peace I had, even when the diagnosis came back, was something I had never experienced before,” she says. “I knew God was in control of my life.”
Before her surgery, Cindi needed four rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
TREATMENT PLAN
Based on the type of tumor, Cindi’s doctor Lakshmi Kannan, MD, oncologist on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton, recommended chemotherapy before surgery.
“We do that at times, depending on the size of the tumor, type of tumor, in an attempt to decrease the size of the tumor to hopefully get the patient to an easier surgery,” says Danielle Jacobbe, DO, breast surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton.
Cindi went through four rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. She also had a lumpectomy and her lymph nodes were removed, after doctors determined her cancer had spread there.
“Cindi had one of the most positive attitudes I’ve ever seen,” Dr. Jacobbe says. “She was such a joy to take care of. It was really an inspiration to see her take every step in stride.”
Cindi leaned on her strong faith and community to get her through the 10-month journey.
“My physical and mental strength was tested, but my faith kept me steady, strong, and calm,” Cindi says.
Cindi with her husband, Dan, who is a pastor at Kessler Community Church.
VALUE OF TIME
With cancer behind her, Cindi stays busy with her family, managing rental properties in southeast Dallas and Corsicana, and being involved in the Oak Cliff church where her husband, Dan, serves as a pastor.
“Now, I know how valuable my time is,” Cindi says. “I just know the value of time in a way I don’t think I did before.”
She’s getting involved by helping friends who might be going through cancer scares of their own, while advocating for more cancer research.
“Now, I will be a more committed supporter of breast cancer research and funding because I know it really does make a difference,” says Cindi. “We’re very blessed to be on the receiving end of it.”
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