A Mother's Fight: Marcella Visilinda's Journey with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Marcella Visilinda, a vibrant 70-year-old from Wewahitchka, embodies the spirit of resilience. A retired mother and grandmother, who still dedicates a few days a week to substitute teaching and retail, Marcella faced an unexpected challenge in April 2025: a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer.

The journey began swiftly. By May, Marcella had met with her oncologist, and a comprehensive treatment plan was underway by June. She credits the seamless collaboration between Dr. Porterfield and Dr. Moody for the rapid and organized approach to her care. "They worked together very well, communicated with each other, and organized a plan quickly," Marcella recalls.

Her treatment began with "red devil" chemo, an aggressive and potent chemotherapy often used for triple-negative breast cancer due to its tendency to recur. "It’s old school treatment, one of the harshest chemo they give for triple negative breast cancer," she explains. Marcella completed her last dose of "red devil" just last Monday and is now awaiting another ultrasound to determine the next phase of her treatment, which may include Taxol.

Marcella’s discovery of the cancer was a testament to self-awareness. Months after receiving a clear mammogram report, she felt something unusual during a shower. "About six to eight months following the mammogram, taking a shower, I happened to put my left thumb on my left breast," she recounts. With implants, she had to lift her breasts to wash, and that's when she "felt something weird."

A few weeks later, after a negative COVID test, her provider sent her back to Sacred Heart for another mammogram. The follow-up call requested her return. Marcella remembers Dr. Jani and his staff with immense gratitude. "Dr. Jani was so nice and his staff were so professional, kind, they put their hands on my shoulder and asked if I was okay. I wasn’t scared at all."

Days later, her healthcare provider delivered the news: it was not benign. Referrals were immediately made to Dr. Porterfield and Dr. Alison Moody, both of whom Marcella describes as integral to her cancer team. Dr. Moody's words, "we will be moving fast," reassured Marcella. "They just grabbed onto me and haven’t let go," she says, emphasizing the unwavering support she has received.

Looking to the future, Marcella envisions a life beyond cancer. "I see this being behind me, having hair, and looking like a woman again. I see beautiful happiness, a good life, a happy life with my big family." Her faith in her medical team is absolute."I am certain that everything Sacred Heart has done for me will undoubtedly lead to a happy future." Marcella’s story is a powerful reminder of courage, the importance of self-care, and the profound impact of dedicated medical professionals.