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
Recent Stories

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something