Finding a calling in the midst of chemo

Many college students choose a major not because they’re passionate about it, but because it seems like a logical choice. For others, it takes an unexpected, pivotal experience to reveal a career and future they may not have otherwise considered.

“I honestly didn’t really know what I was going to do with my business degree. I just knew I wanted an education,” said Vinnie Garcha, 31, a mammographer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. “At the time at 21, I assumed I would figure it out when I completed my degree, but I had no real passion behind it.”

But in December 2013 — just one class shy of earning her business degree — Garcha was diagnosed with cancer. It would change the trajectory of her life.

School and work would need to wait

Garcha first noticed a painful lump on the roof of her mouth mid-November 2013. By early December that same year, it had taken over the whole right side of her mouth and face and was causing numbness.

“I was diagnosed with stage 3 rhabdomyosarcoma to my head and neck,” she explained. “I was working part-time and going to school and thought I was healthy.”

School and work would need to wait. On January 2, 2014, Garcha had her first chemotherapy appointment at Fred Hutch and 10 months later she had her last. In the midst of chemo, Garcha also received radiation at UW Medical Center – Montlake. She also was treated at Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Proton Therapy for part of her cancer therapy.

Garcha said that although her treatment included many challenges and near-daily appointments for many months, she felt fortunate for the family and friends who supported her. Her parents and cousins showed love in many ways, she said, including by going with her and driving her to appointments, and the team at Fred Hutch offered great support, too.

“The empathy on the sarcoma floor was amazing,” she said. “I think some days were harder for my parents than they were for me, and they could sense that. They would come in and not only ask me how I was doing, they would ask my parents, too.”

Witnessing passion in a career

Garcha admitted that prior to being a patient at Fred Hutch, she knew little about different types of health care careers beyond physicians and nurses. But during treatment, she observed her care team and became curious about what they did. She asked many questions — about how they got into their careers, what classes they needed to take and what they liked about what they did.

“They were all so kind and sympathetic and seemed so passionate about their careers and happy to be there,” said Garcha.

When her chemotherapy ended and radiation began, she had a window into another aspect of care. By the time she was done with all her cancer treatments, not only was she in remission, she had mapped out a new course for her career: Finish up the final course to obtain her business degree, then pursue a career in radiologic technology. 

“Imaging fascinated me,” she said.

In the summer of 2015, she started at Pima Medical Institute where she earned an associate degree in radiologic technology; after that, she went to Bellevue College where she received her mammography certification.

Fast forward a decade

Today, Garcha provides one-on-one care for patients as a Fred Hutch mammographer, also known as a mammography technologist, a position she's held for two and a half years.

In her role, she operates imaging equipment to perform mammograms, which are X-ray exams of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. She prepares patients for the procedure, ensures proper positioning and captures images that are used for diagnosis. She also assists radiologists by operating X-ray equipment used in mammogram-guided procedures such as biopsies and wire localizations, a procedure performed before a patient has a lumpectomy.

Garcha often draws from her own experiences as a patient while fulfilling her role. That means creating a calm environment where patients feel listened to and don’t feel rushed. And sometimes it may involve sharing parts of her own care experience. 

“It’s not uncommon for me to work with a patient who is going through one of the most difficult days of their life,” she said. “I remember the exact moment I found out I had cancer. Sometimes, if I think it might be good for them to hear, I share that Fred Hutch has been so good to me, and while they are here, they will get the best care.” 

Garcha also values learning from and working with her team at Fred Hutch.

“Everyone is constantly collaborating on all aspects of patient care. The whole breast imaging team is truly a joy to be around. And it is a great learning environment,” she said. “We’re also there for each other and when people have a promotion, or there is a birthday or event, we celebrate.” 

‘Surround yourself with positivity’

Garcha married in 2023 and she and her husband enjoy hiking together and trying out new restaurants. 

When asked what advice she would give to someone diagnosed with cancer, Garcha said this:

“Surround yourself with positivity. Also, know that it’s OK to ask for help. Your support system will want to do anything they can to help you.”