Cancer Survivor Puts on a Happy Face as Aunt Bubbles the Clown

Not even breast cancer can keep a good clown down. After undergoing breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy at the John Theurer Cancer Center, Aunt Bubbles is back entertaining children and adults at local parties, senior centers, convalescent homes, and schools. Aunt Bubbles – a.k.a. Carmela Glenn, 72, of Paramus – says her goals for the future are simple: stay healthy and keep making people smile.

The breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, was discovered after Carmela’s yearly digital mammogram at the Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care at Hackensack University Medical Center. After her mammogram indicated an abnormality in her right breast, Carmela returned to the Institute to have additional images taken and to undergo a breast sonogram and biopsy.

“It was scary to hear that I had cancer, but my surgeon, Dr. Mary Jane Warden, said the tumor was less than one centimeter in size,” recalls Carmela. “I had complete confidence in her.”

On November 4, 2008, Dr. Warden performed a lumpectomy, removing the cancerous tumor and some surrounding tissue. A technique called sentinel lymph node mapping – which tests the first node, the sentinel node, to which breast cancer can spread – showed the sentinel node was negative for cancer cells. There was no need for Dr. Warden to remove any additional lymph nodes.

“Sentinel lymph node mapping has virtually put an end to the routine removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery, which simplifies the surgery and reduces a patient’s risk for pain and other complications,” says Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., chairman and executive administrative director of the John Theurer Cancer Center. Carmela was discharged from the hospital on the evening of the surgery.

After recuperating at home for about two weeks, she began six weeks of daily radiation therapy at the Cancer Center to eradicate any microscopic traces of the cancer in her breast and to prevent a recurrence. She has livened up the Department of Radiation Oncology with her positive attitude and rollicking laugh. For her contribution to the personally decorated ceiling tiles in the treatment room – aimed at boosting patients’ spirits while they lie on the table undergoing treatment – Carmela painted a happy face with a clown nose.

“Carmela has been an inspiration to all at our Cancer Center,” says Loren Godfrey, M.D., director of brachytherapy for the Department of Radiation Oncology. “Her attitude and strength are admirable. The care given to Aunt Bubbles, as with all our patients, has been extraordinary.”

Carmela has barely missed a beat since the cancer diagnosis. She returned to her part-time job at Plaza Research in Paramus, where she has been involved in market research and executive recruitment for 23 years. Aunt Bubbles continues to work her magic assisting her niece, Donna Skinner, a.k.a. Dolly the Clown, of Maywood, at gatherings all over the tri-state area. Sometimes they are joined by Aunt Bubbles’/Carmela’s sister, Jo, who is Dolly’s mom, hence her clown name, Dolly Mama.

Carmela also enjoys spending time with her son, Dennis, of Hackensack, and twin daughters, Lori and Wendy, of Paramus. She is a puzzles maven (especially word searches) and likes reading mystery novels, knitting scarves, and crafting. To keep fit, she takes long walks with a girlfriend. Her close friends and family have been a strong source of support throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment, as they were 14 years ago following the death of her husband, Sydney, from liver disease.

Donna McNamara, M.D., Carmela’s medical oncologist, will see her for follow-up visits and monitor her as she takes the medication Arimidex to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. Dr. McNamara says that Carmela’s prognosis for a full recovery and cure with minimal risk of recurrence is excellent.

“Mrs. Glenn’s sparkling personality and wonderful outlook on life will get her through her treatment and recovery with flying colors,” she says.