In 2025, Kylie Zehnder shared the story of her cancer diagnosis and the beginning of her treatment.

Now, she has completed her treatment plan, rang the bell and is ready for a new chapter in her journey – one that she hopes will continue to inspire others navigating their own breast cancer diagnosis.

Kylie completed her final chemotherapy regimen in April 2025. In June, she underwent a planned double mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery.

She recalled feeling very frightened leading up to the procedure and made a conscious decision to prepare for the worst and expect pain. In hindsight, she said that mindset helped her manage her recovery. “It wasn’t so bad,” she recalled.

In August 2025, Kylie began radiation therapy. Having heard this would be “the easy part,” she was surprised by how challenging it felt. During chemotherapy, she had formed close bonds with her caregivers – they became her friends, confidants and cheerleaders. Radiation felt different.

“The first week felt very transactional,” she said. “I felt like just a number.” The short visits made it difficult to build relationships, leaving her feeling vulnerable. “I felt like I was exposing myself to strangers. I cried every day and knew I had to change my perspective.”

In her second week, Kylie took a different approach. She made an effort to connect with each therapist – learning about their lives, even asking what kind of chocolate they liked. “It was my way of not being a stranger in a foreign land, and it worked.”

By the end of treatment, she had formed meaningful connections. “When I finished, I hugged each of them,” she said.

Her advice to others: “Radiation therapy isn’t the easy part – it’s just a different part.”

Due to her triple-negative diagnosis and other medical considerations, Kylie underwent a complete hysterectomy in early 2026. Then on Feb. 6, 2026, she completed immunotherapy, marking the end of her treatment plan.

To celebrate, Kylie gathered her support system and members of her care team to ring the victory bell. More than 40 people attended. “This journey was not mine alone,” she said. “I wanted everyone to celebrate.”

Looking ahead, Kylie may need a revision to her breast reconstruction, though the timing is still uncertain. She now sees Dr. Sabrina Shilad with the Aultman Breast Care Center every six months. “She brings me peace of mind,” Kylie shared. “I’m forever grateful.”

She also continues follow-up care with Dr. Sunitha Vemulapalli, oncologist at the Aultman Cancer Center, and described her as another calming and reassuring presence.

As she reflected on this next phase, Kylie shared a powerful perspective: “Remission is the hardest part of my journey. During treatment, I had to be a fighter. I had a team beside me, fighting with me every step of the way. Now, it feels like my safety net has been taken away. I’m still a warrior – but I’m standing alone on top of the hill. The war is over, but I still have to stand guard. I’m still in the fight, just in a different way. And that’s a lot to carry.”

Through it all, Kylie continues to find peace and joy in her family, friends and faith. “I have found my happy,” she said. “My advice: Be optimistic, make friends, dance down the hallways, have faith and look forward to seeing your nurses and care team.”

When asked what Aultman and the Aultman Cancer Center means to her, Kylie didn’t hesitate to answer: “Aultman is not just a hospital, it’s home.”