Finding meaning in my stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis
BY Cookie Joe
October 08, 2026
Story highlights
- Cookie Joe was determined to use her 2021 breast cancer diagnosis as a force for good.
- She’s taken every opportunity to turn a negative into a positive along the way.
- She has raised money for UT MD Anderson, sponsored blood drives and inspired other women to get their mammograms.
When I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer in April 2021, I decided that I wanted to make the experience mean something. So, instead of moping around feeling sorry for myself, I thought, “What purpose can I make this serve?”
Then, whenever an opportunity presented itself to turn some aspect of that diagnosis into a positive rather than a negative, I took it. That way, even if I didn’t make it, I figured I’d still win.
Choosing not to let a delayed diagnosis upset me
My first opportunity to put this plan in motion arose while confirming my diagnosis at UT MD Anderson.
A radiologist there was reviewing the films from my last 10 mammograms, which had been performed at another facility. She noted that she could actually see the beginnings of the lump I’d detected in my left breast as early as 2019 — two years before my diagnosis.
I could’ve let myself feel bitter or angry that the cancer might’ve been caught earlier, when it would’ve been easier to treat. But I didn’t. Because while I do believe that the radiologists at UT MD Anderson probably would’ve noticed it sooner, I also believe that I had exactly the right care team at exactly the right time. So, I chose not to let it upset me.
Feeling grateful to join a clinical trial, even if it didn’t work out for me
The second opportunity arose while I was exploring my treatment options at UT MD Anderson.
My care team — which included breast surgical oncologist Dr. Ana Paula Correa Refinetti, breast medical oncologist Dr. Sadia Saleem and plastic surgeon Dr. David Adelman — suggested a clinical trial called ARTEMIS.
The study was for women like me, who had triple-negative breast cancer. If I joined it, I’d receive the standard of care plus a little something extra, to see how the cancer reacted. The goal was to see if the cancer could be treated successfully with less therapy. If it didn’t work, I could try something else.
I joined the trial, but didn’t stay on it for very long. My care team didn’t see the results they were hoping for. The tumor shrank, but not as much as they would’ve liked. So, we pivoted. I started on a different, stronger chemotherapy drug, then had a double mastectomy and radiation therapy.
I’ll admit I was a little disappointed. But I also know it’s challenging to find enough women of color to join clinical trials, so I was happy to contribute. Statistics are all about numbers. And, every time somebody else participates in a clinical trial, scientists have one more data point to consider.
Philanthropy is the gift that keeps on giving
The third opportunity is still ongoing, thanks to my occupation and my visibility in the community.
I teach at a very large dance school that I founded near my home in Sugar Land, Texas. It’s been in business now for 50 years. Thousands of little girls have walked through its doors. I’ve taught several generations of local families.
Because I’m so active on social media, a lot of those same families watched me go through cancer treatment at UT MD Anderson. Sometimes, they wished me well or said they were praying for me. Others said they were actually scheduling their first mammogram because of what I’d shared.
It was thrilling to know that I’d made such a difference. So, I’ve used that platform ever since to raise money for breast cancer research and encourage people to donate blood at UT MD Anderson Blood Bank, too.
In 2022, I raised $3,000 through the sale of “Miss Cookie” dolls for UT MD Anderson. The dolls looked just like me and had little pink ribbons on their chests. And, since August 2021, I’ve also hosted eight blood drives at my studio, which have collectively yielded 161 units of blood products for UT MD Anderson Blood Bank.
Originally, my goal was just to thank UT MD Anderson because it saved my life. I’ve been cancer-free now since December 2022. But I also wanted to be an ally to all the women who were still waiting for their next appointments. By giving back, I really feel like my cancer diagnosis gave me a new sense of purpose. So, I plan to keep right on doing it.
Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
My diagnosis gave me a new sense of purpose.
Cookie Joe
Survivor