Someone who battles cancer is a special type of person. In fact, some might even call them a superhero. They have the ability to overcome obstacles and persevere through challenges, often sowing positivity in their wake. One such person is Tara Deenihan.
At age 46, Tara was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer—one of the most aggressive types of the disease. Although no one is prepared for a cancer diagnosis, the Adams County resident had a personal guide on how to approach this battle. It was her husband Dan Hawthorn.
A Positive Crusade
Dan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 and sought treatment at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC). He had a large portion of his pancreas surgically removed and, after intensive chemotherapy, was pronounced cancer-free.
“We were thrilled. Dan had beat the unbeatable,” said Tara, who was with Dan every step of his journey. “He is my soulmate. He is fascinating and curious and a really good soul.”
Through his cancer treatment, Dan taught Tara and others how to be strong, live generously, love fully, and tackle even the biggest fears. Dan’s motto, borrowed from superhero Captain America, was “I can do this all day”—a nod to his playful nature but also his strength in the face of adversity.
Dan waged a crusade to help other people with pancreatic cancer. He sought ways to lower the cost of medications for patients less fortunate, created videos to help others navigate the challenges of the disease, and served as a personal mentor to those going through treatment. Dan was also a champion of his doctors and caregivers at RMCC who he trusted completely.
Despite the success of his treatment, Dan’s cancer returned in 2022. Again, he fought it head-on with the help of his doctors. Dan began a different chemotherapy protocol and enrolled in a clinical trial through RMCC for a new, advanced treatment. His results were promising. Unfortunately, during this fight, Dan passed away suddenly of a suspected blood clot.
Exactly six months later, and still grieving the loss of her husband, Tara began her own cancer battle.
Animal Instincts
When Tara found a small lump in her breast, she was surprised. Her last mammogram was clear and she had no known family history of the disease. But the fresh memory of Dan’s experience—and curiously, a warning from her cat Simba—made her act quickly.
“Simba didn’t often sit on my lap—I fidget too much. But he had begun lying across my chest, purring loudly and compulsively. It was in the same way he laid on Dan’s abdomen when he got sick,” recalled Tara, who works for a cat rescue organization. “I knew cats use purring to promote physical healing and can also sense changes in body chemistry. I think Simba knew something was wrong and was trying to fix it.”
Tara immediately called her primary care physician who was able to expedite an appointment for a mammogram and ultrasound. The results were abnormal. Within two weeks, Tara had a breast biopsy at RMCC’s Lakewood location and the very next day, Tara learned she had breast cancer.
“Dan’s care team blew us away; they were amazing. As a result, I had complete confidence in RMCC before I ever began my own treatment,” explained Tara. “From the very beginning, I was treated with care and compassion. My RMCC team was so responsive to my questions and needs. I never felt like a number.”
Ready to Fight
Thankfully, Tara’s tumor was detected before it spread outside her breast. But because it was fast-growing, immediate treatment was vital. RMCC did not waste any time.
“Within just one week of diagnosis, I met with my oncologist and began chemotherapy,” said Tara. “I’m so grateful for their quick action.”
Under the care of Praveena Solipuram, MD, board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, Tara received chemotherapy at RMCC’s Thornton location—only a 10-minute drive from her home. The chemotherapy was designed to target and shrink her tumor, killing as much cancer as possible before surgery. Her treatment, the gold standard of care for triple-negative breast cancer, included six months of chemotherapy using two different drugs.
Throughout the next six months, Tara fought through the therapy’s side effects. For much of the time, Tara drove herself to and from treatment and continued to work through her fatigue. When her long red hair fell out, she wore a beautiful wig to feel her best. And when the therapy became more intense in the final month, Tara learned to rely on friends.
“I felt guilty asking for help but I wouldn’t have gotten through the process without other people,” said Tara. “I have a fantastic network of friends who cooked and cleaned and cared for me and my cats while I slept. I’m so grateful.”
After her final chemotherapy treatment, Tara celebrated by getting a henna tattoo on her bare head. It was of a red crown designed to look similar to the one worn by Marvel’s Scarlet Witch. In the comics, the Scarlet Witch lost her husband but always kept on fighting.
Armor of Protection
The result of Tara’s six months of chemotherapy was a CT scan that left her speechless. The test results showed no trace of cancer.
“I know everyone’s situation is different and I was so fortunate,” said Tara. “Not only did I find the cancer relatively early, but I responded well to chemo.”
Although the tumor was no longer detectable, Tara opted to undergo a double mastectomy to help prevent the cancer from returning. She also had breast reconstruction at the same time.
“There were many surgical options available to me but the decision to have a double mastectomy was very easy,” explained Tara. “I wanted this cancer behind me. Although recovery wasn’t easy, I was so thankful to undergo mastectomy and reconstruction in just one surgery.”
Following the surgery in July 2023, Dr. Solipuram prescribed the final step to Tara’s treatment—six months of immunotherapy. This therapy, which teaches Tara’s immune system to better recognize and destroy the cancer cells, is administered like chemotherapy but has much milder side effects. Like the surgery, immunotherapy further protects Tara from the cancer returning.
Moving Forward
In February of 2024, Tara had her chemotherapy port removed—the implanted device that allows her to receive cancer medications more easily. The milestone was an emotional one for her. It signified the end of the journey. She’s now on a mission to use her experience for good.
Tara is currently volunteering with the organization that provided her with the human hair wig, transforming how she felt about herself during chemotherapy. She has picked up Dan’s lead in posting tips and inspiration to help fellow patients. This includes the good, bad, and even funny moments of going through cancer treatment. And she has begun to raise money for pancreatic cancer—a type of cancer far less researched or funded than her own.
“I’m figuring out what’s next for me but I know I’m not alone. I feel Dan with me. I’m so blessed to have been married to him, even for a short while,” said Tara. “I know there will be other cancer patients who come after me. I’m focused on helping.”
Said like a true superhero.
