We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Shihabuddin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Choosing to publicly share my journey with breast cancer was one of the most daunting decisions I’ve ever faced. I was diagnosed in February 2020 with stage 1b invasive lobular carcinoma, a time when the world was slipping into the chaos of a global pandemic, I found myself at a critical juncture not just in my health, but in my role as a nurse practitioner and educator. My cancer was ER/PR+, HER2-, leading to a double mastectomy and bilateral sentinel node biopsies with thankfully no lymph nodes affected. Beyond the physical treatments, I was placed on a 10-year hormone suppression therapy with tamoxifen.

The decision to go public wasn’t made lightly. As a healthcare professional, I was accustomed to being the one providing support and guidance, not the one spotlighting my vulnerabilities. However, I realized that my personal experience could serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and education, particularly for young women battling breast cancer. This realization led to the birth of my website, The Pink Warrior (http://www.thepink-warrior.com), and my active engagement on social media platforms like Instagram.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Sharing my diagnosis, the gritty details of the treatments, and the roller coaster of emotions helped in demystifying the disease for many and provided a real-life narrative that was both relatable and educational. My openness became a conduit for dialogue, support, and awareness, breaking down the barriers often felt by those undergoing similar trials.

Over time, this endeavor grew into a larger advocacy role. I began collaborating with various breast cancer organizations, further amplifying the voice of young women in this fight. The journey has not been without its challenges—balancing vulnerability with professionalism, managing my health alongside public engagements, and addressing the emotional toll of reliving my experiences. Yet, the ability to influence, educate, and perhaps most importantly, offer hope, has made every step worth it.

Reflecting on this journey, the risk of opening up my life and medical history to the world has turned into a profound opportunity to effect change and support others in their most vulnerable times. It’s a testament to the power of sharing one’s story, not just for healing oneself but for helping to heal others.

Courtney, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Courtney Shihabuddin, a nurse practitioner, assistant clinical professor, and a passionate advocate for health equity, particularly in breast cancer care and LGBTQIA2+ healthcare. My journey into healthcare began with a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through medicine and education. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and have developed extensive expertise in adult-gerontology primary care.

My entry into the realm of breast cancer advocacy is deeply personal. Diagnosed with stage 1b invasive lobular carcinoma in February 2020, I chose to transform my battle with cancer into a platform for education and support through my website, The Pink Warrior, and various social media outlets. This initiative focuses on sharing my journey and the nuances of diagnosis, treatment, and emotional resilience, catering specifically to young women who find themselves on this daunting path.

Professionally, I provide a range of services and insights both as a healthcare provider and educator. At The Ohio State University, I teach and mentor future nurse practitioners, emphasizing evidence-based practice and compassionate care. My clinical practice at the Columbus Free Clinic includes directing the Rainbow Clinic, where I advocate for and serve the LGBTQIA2+ community, addressing the unique health disparities they face.

What sets me apart in my field is my dual perspective as both a healthcare provider and a patient. This unique vantage point allows me to connect with and support my patients and students on a more personal and empathetic level. I am most proud of my ability to use my personal experiences, whether battling cancer or advocating for marginalized communities, to foster an environment of understanding and change.

For potential clients, students, or followers, I want you to know that my work is driven by a commitment to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for all, regardless of one’s background or health challenges. Through my teaching, public speaking, and online presence, I aim to empower individuals with knowledge and support, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve.

My brand, both as The Pink Warrior and a healthcare professional, stands for resilience, advocacy, and education. I strive to be a source of strength and a resource for those navigating their health journeys, and I am dedicated to continuing my efforts in expanding healthcare equity across diverse populations.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey occurred during the initial phase of my breast cancer treatment. In February 2020, amidst the emerging global uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was diagnosed with stage 1b invasive lobular carcinoma. The timing added an extra layer of complexity to an already daunting situation. As hospitals and clinics were pivoting to handle the surge of COVID-19 cases, the attention and resources available for other conditions, including cancer treatments, were unpredictably fluctuating.

The challenge was compounded by my personal circumstances. At the time, my children were very young—ages 1 and 5. My husband, an emergency room physician, was involved in the frontline response to the pandemic, making it impossible for him to take time off. The support system I might have relied on under normal circumstances was stretched thin by both the demands of healthcare during a crisis and the need to maintain isolation to protect our health.

Despite these hurdles, I had to navigate my treatment options immediately. Choosing to undergo a double mastectomy and bilateral sentinel node biopsies, I faced the physical and emotional toll of major surgery amid the pandemic’s height. The isolation inherent in the pandemic’s early days—being unable to have loved ones nearby for support during hospital stays or recovery—tested my resilience like never before.

During this time, I leaned heavily on virtual platforms to communicate with family and friends and to maintain some sense of normalcy for my children. I also used my background in nursing and my role as an educator to meticulously document and share my experiences through my blog and social media, transforming my personal battle into an educational and supportive resource for others. This not only helped in managing my own anxieties but also provided a sense of purpose and connection with a community of women going through similar challenges.

Reflecting on those days, I am proud of how I handled the uncertainties and the solitude imposed by the global crisis. I used my expertise to guide my decisions, sought out virtual support when in-person was not possible, and dedicated myself to helping others navigate their paths through sharing my story. This period underscored my resilience, showing me that with determination, professional knowledge, and a commitment to helping others, I could manage personal health crises and contribute positively to the community even under the most trying circumstances.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I would definitely choose the same profession and specialty if I could go back. My journey into nursing was a deliberate pivot from a burgeoning career in communication studies, where I initially worked in healthcare public relations. While that experience was invaluable, offering me insights into the healthcare industry from a different lens, I felt a compelling drive to be more directly involved in patient care and to make a tangible impact on individual lives.

After a little over a year in public relations, I decided to return to school for an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This decision marked the beginning of a deeply fulfilling path that combined my passion for communication and education with hands-on patient care. Following my BSN, I pursued a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. This specialty not only aligned with my interest in adult and elderly care but also equipped me to address a broad spectrum of health issues affecting these populations.

My commitment to advancing my expertise and my desire to contribute to the next generation of nurses led me to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with a clear focus on transitioning into nurse practitioner education. This decision was fueled by my belief in the power of education to transform lives and improve healthcare outcomes. In this role, I have been able to influence the nursing profession profoundly, preparing future nurse practitioners to deliver compassionate, informed, and effective care.

Choosing nursing as a second career allowed me to merge my skills in communication with my passion for healthcare, enhancing my ability to educate, advocate, and lead in the nursing field. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud of the impact I have made and continue to make in nursing education and patient care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepink-warrior.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepink.warrior
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyshihabuddin/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cshihabuddin

Image Credits

All photos taken by Megan Lane Photography
https://www.meganlanephotography.com/