For more than 30 years, Yolanda Elliott was the woman you came to when you wanted to look your best.
The irony that a woman who “did hair” lost her hair doesn’t escape the longtime cosmetologist, but Elliott knows there’s more to life than good hair.Â
For the last year and a half, Elliott has been battling breast cancer.
She discovered a lump in her right breast through self-examination nearly two years ago. At the time, she was in the middle of a transition, preparing to move.Â
“I think, sometimes as women, we take on so much and set ourselves on the backburner. Even at 60, I’m still learning how to make myself a priority,” explains Elliott.Â
It wasn’t until several months after she had settled into her new home in Woodbridge, she was able to make a doctor’s appointment. At that point, her breast was red and inflamed.
The then 58-year-old mom of three was diagnosed with stage 3/HER2+ breast cancer in Summer 2018. She was referred to Sentara Surgery Specialist Dr. Steven Nakao. Dr. Nakao introduced her to Deana Henry, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Cancer Nurse Navigator.Â
Deana helped her work through the sometimes overwhelming business of a cancer diagnosis.Â
“Deana was really instrumental for me, not stressing. She was just so full of information, and she’d always tell me, ‘Well, that’s my job!'” said Elliott. “She went that extra mile and cleared the path for me to go through this.”
Soon after her diagnosis, Elliott started chemotherapy with hematologist/oncologist Dr. Farn Chan. The chemo shrunk her tumor and allowed Dr. Nakao to perform her mastectomy and remove several lymph nodes where cancer had spread.Â
After surgery, radiation with Dr. Susan Boylan was prescribed in addition to more chemotherapy.Â
Finally, on August 22nd, Elliott had her last treatment.Â
“A part of me was relieved to be through with the treatment, but another side of me was anxious- am I really through? Is this really it?” she asked.Â
Many cancer patients have mixed emotions at the end of their treatment.Â
Elliott is now at a crossroads.Â
While chemo is over, she’s not sure how much of her old life will fit into her new circumstances. She’s dealing with neuropathy in her arm, which is keeping her from using it as quickly as she once did.Â
Though Elliott is dealing with a lot, she’s resilient.Â
Her faith and the support team she’s discovered at the Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center are keeping her going.Â
“I have such a faith that no matter what I walkthrough, I don’t walk through it alone,” she said. “My tribe has changed. I’ve done the support group under Deana and yoga, and I visit the resource center. I’m trying to take full advantage of all these great resources.”Â
The Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center is located in the Century Building at 2280 Opitz Boulevard, Suite 225, Woodbridge, VA 22191. You can contact the nurse navigator, Deana Henry, at 703-523-1599.
To schedule your mammogram, call 703-523-1560 today. Â
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With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we called some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives to ask about their visions for 2025.
Senator Mark Warner (D) said:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes major decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding, drawn from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.
Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The staff has recommended approval of the proposal, stating that it aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports commercial development in suburban areas. Additionally, the clinic’s location and intended use are consistent with the existing development pattern along Garrisonville Road.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
