In Both Sides Of The Curtain, Sue Hwang, MD Shares Her Candid Experience As Patient And Doctor

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover the powerful memoir From Both Sides of the Curtain here renowned breast radiation oncologist Dr. Sue Hwang shares her raw, transformative experience transitioning from trusted physician to terrified patient.

When a radiation oncologist who has dedicated her career to treating breast cancer patients suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of a diagnosis, the perspective shifts dramatically. Dr. Catherine Sue Hwang, a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer, experienced this profound role reversal firsthand. Her memoir, From Both Sides of the Curtain: Lessons and Reflections from an Oncologist’s Personal Breast Cancer Journey, offers a unique dual viewpoint—drawing from her 15 years as a physician and her own unexpected battle with the disease.

The Moment Everything Changed

For years, Dr. Hwang had guided countless women through the emotional and medical challenges of breast cancer, from the initial biopsy results to comprehensive treatment plans. She was confident in her expertise and role as a caregiver. That confidence was tested in January 2024 during a routine annual mammogram. The results revealed five masses in one breast, along with an abnormal lymph node. What followed was a rapid transition from being the authoritative doctor to a frightened patient facing invasive stage II/III lobular carcinoma.

The diagnosis came as a shock, especially since she had no noticeable symptoms beforehand and considered herself low-risk. In an instant, her busy life as a single mother of three, a dedicated professional, and a busy clinician was upended.

Warning Signs Women Should Not Ignore

Breast cancer can sometimes develop without an obvious lump. Dr. Hwang emphasizes the importance of awareness beyond just feeling for masses. Other potential indicators include breast asymmetry, dimpling of the skin, nipple retraction or discharge, and skin thickening that resembles an orange peel texture. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, remain crucial, as her own case demonstrated how the disease can be detected early even in the absence of visible changes.

Key Questions to Ask the Care Team

Navigating a cancer diagnosis involves many decisions. Dr. Hwang encourages patients to advocate for themselves by seeking clear answers from their healthcare providers. Important questions include understanding the stage and type of cancer, along with the expected prognosis. Patients should inquire about the need for genetic and genomic testing, as well as additional body imaging. It’s also valuable to clarify the roles of the various doctors involved, whether the team collaborates effectively, and if a nurse navigator is available to coordinate care. Additionally, asking about steps to prepare the body physically for upcoming treatments can empower patients from the start.

A Parallel Journey: Treating Patients While Receiving Treatment

Dr. Hwang’s experience was made even more complex by her decision to continue working during much of her treatment. After undergoing a double mastectomy, she proceeded with chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. She balanced seeing her own breast cancer patients with receiving her radiation sessions—sometimes stepping away from consultations to undergo treatment and then returning to work.

This unique position allowed her to observe cancer care from both sides of the “curtain”—as the expert delivering explanations and as the individual enduring the physical and emotional toll. She openly addresses challenges like hair loss, menopausal symptoms from treatments, the constant fear of recurrence, and the effort to redefine life afterward.

Insights That Transformed Her Practice

Her journey reshaped her approach to patient care. She developed a greater appreciation for the long-term side effects of treatments, such as persistent hot flashes, weight changes, and the emotional burden of extended medication regimens. What she once viewed as manageable side effects now carry deeper significance, leading her to provide more thorough counseling on quality-of-life issues. She describes herself as having been a challenging patient at times, reflecting on how the experience highlighted vulnerabilities and the need for empathy in medicine.

Beyond Survival: Building Awareness and Support

To share her story more broadly, Dr. Hwang launched an Instagram account, @breast_cancer_360, during treatment. The platform documents her experiences, raises awareness about breast cancer, and highlights aspects of the disease and its treatments that patients often find overlooked.

As Section Leader of Breast Radiation Oncology at AdventHealth Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida, and an Associate Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Hwang continues her work with renewed insight. Her book serves not only as a personal memoir but also as a resource for patients seeking understanding, a prompt for healthcare providers to reflect on their practices, and a source of inspiration for anyone confronting serious illness. It underscores resilience, the value of vulnerability, and the ongoing journey toward a fulfilling life after cancer.

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