Prescott Valley Woman Tackles Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer After Pivotal Diagnosis

Patient Sharing Cancer Journey and Appreciation for Medical Staff Who Screened Her

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. (Feb. 23, 2026) – A Prescott Valley woman tackling breast cancer is now celebrating life and the compassionate care she received from the Baskin Breast Care Center at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Bethany Forbes, 55, had a family history of breast cancer but until almost a year ago, had never battled it herself.

In June 2025, when the results of Forbes’ MRI showed a new mass had formed in her left breast, doctors told Forbes  she would need to undergo additional testing.“I’ve had mammograms and MRIs every six months for the last 10 years and they always came back negative,” Forbes explained. “I couldn’t believe it had developed that fast.” By early July, the results were in: Forbes had ductal carcinoma in situ. 

After a double mastectomy in August, Forbes was told there was evidence the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Forbes was then diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in addition to the ductal carcinoma. TNBC is a particularly aggressive form of the disease and is more difficult to treat. Both diagnoses were devastating. “I’m not a happy-go-lucky person, so I thought ‘How am I going to survive this?  How am I supposed to have all these surgeries?” admitted Forbes.

Complicating matters further was the fact that Forbes also lives with a chronic autoimmune disease. As a result, radiation therapy wasn’t an option for treatment. Instead, Forbes had to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy. But amid all the confusion and anxiety, Forbes found comfort at YRMC’s Baskin Breast Care Center. During Forbes’ biopsy, patient navigator Jamie Rygiel stayed by Forbes’ side, which calmed her nerves. When Forbes expressed worry about having to undergo painful surgeries, survivors in the breast cancer support group shared their experiences and eased some of Forbes’ fears. As Forbes began to lose her hair and question what the future would hold, patient navigator Yajaira Hernandez gave Forbes beanies, a wig stand, a discount on a wig with a local stylist, and multiple books about breast cancer.

“The  screenings we offer are performed with state-of-the-art technology that is very accurate in detecting breast cancers, but our reach extends beyond the clinical setting,” said Kathleen Hoffer, clinic manager of YRMC’s Baskin Breast Care Center. “We also provide meaningful resources to our patients to uplift them and relieve some of their burdens during what is surely a trying time in their lives.”

 Additional support for Forbes came after she finished treatment. In a moving gesture, YRMC paid for a cleaning service for Forbes’ house. Every dollar of it came from donations to YRMC’s  Baskin Breast Care Center. “It was such a big help,” Forbes shared through tears. “I don’t think they realize how much it meant to me.”

With chemo behind her, Forbes is now wanting to pay it forward. “I want to get the word out about all the amazing things the Baskin Breast Care Center does to help cancer patients,” Forbes adds. “I’m so thankful to the entire team for how they showed up for me and I know it was my faith in God that put me in their path.”

As for her life post-cancer, Forbes is enjoying a whole new level of inner strength and a fresh perspective. “I think cancer forced me to be more present. I’m not focused on the past anymore, which is a huge blessing,” Forbes added. Being more present for Forbes means spending time with family, tending to her farm animals, going to church, and getting back into her hobbies.“What matters to me now is that I’m living each day as fully as I can.”

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