Melissa Doud’s Story
This month, we are honored to begin our newsletter by sharing the story of one of our own Wisconsin women veterans and WDVA colleagues, Melissa Doud. Melissa’s journey is one of service, strength, family, and the importance of women supporting one another.
A Lifetime of Service
Melissa is a Lac du Flambeau Tribal member and has proudly served with WDVA for nearly three years. Melissa joined the U.S. Army in October 1990 and served for 20 years before retiring from Fort McCoy in 2010. Her military career took her across the country and around the world, with assignments at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Camp Coiner, Korea; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and a tour in Iraq.
Today, Melissa continues serving Wisconsin’s veteran community as a Tribal Veteran Liaison with the WDVA.
The Moment Everything Changed
In 2023, Melissa was performing a breast self-exam when she discovered a lump. She describes receiving her diagnosis as “the scariest day of my life”.
“There was so much uncertainty and fear of the unknown,” Melissa shared. “I thought I was going to die. Many thoughts and emotions run through your head. You think of your family and preparing them.”
Suddenly, her life was filled with tests, bloodwork, scans, appointments, conversations with oncologists and radiation oncologists, and decisions about treatment.
“You really get overwhelmed when it happens,” she said. “Then you make your choices to develop your plan of action.”
Facing Treatment Head-On
Melissa underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and DIEP flap reconstruction surgery. One of the most difficult parts of treatment for her was losing her hair. “I did not like being bald.” She stated.
Chemotherapy also brought periods of fatigue and the loss of taste, which made eating difficult. Melissa underwent genetic testing as well because she wanted to know whether there was something she could potentially pass on to her children.
Through it all, she focused on moving forward in the strongest way she could.
“Let’s Go Kill This”
Melissa credits both her strength as an Indigenous woman and her life experiences for helping her confront the diagnosis. After her oncologist examined the lump and calmly told her, “We’ll get that.” I remember thinking, ‘Well then, let’s go kill this.’”
From that day forward, she concentrated on what she needed to do to get through treatment. Her work with veterans also remained on her mind. Melissa remembers thinking that if she could make it through her own journey, she wanted to be there for other women facing the same frightening diagnosis.
“I would do whatever I needed to do to support other women who might get this horrible diagnosis and help them through their journey.” Throughout the entire process, Melissa successfully coordinated meetings for Secretary Bond, and they both completed visits to all 11 federally recognized Tribes/Nations in Wisconsin in a 6-month timeframe.
The Importance of Not Going Through It Alone
Melissa says her friends, family, other breast cancer survivors, and coworkers became an important part of her support system. Friends and family accompanied her to appointments, listened when she needed to talk, and gave her someone to lean on. She also joined Facebook support groups where she could ask questions and hear from women who had gone through similar experiences.
“I really felt so much love from everyone in my workplace,” Melissa said. “Everyone was so supportive, and I never once felt isolated in all of this.”
Her advice to other women is simple: do not try to go through it alone.
Her Message to Other Women Veterans
Looking back, Melissa wishes more women understood the importance of educating themselves and being proactive about their health.
“You are not alone. There are so many resources out there to help you through this battle.”
She encourages women to keep up with recommended mammograms and screenings, pay attention to changes in their bodies, advocate for themselves, and ask for help when they need it.
“Find a couple of support groups,” she said. “Those of us who have been through it will surround you in encouragement, reassurance, and courage to come out on the other side of this. Everyone’s journey is different, and you make the right decision for you.”
A Reminder This October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than wearing pink. It is a time to encourage conversations, remind one another about the importance of screenings and early detection, and recognize the women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. It is also an opportunity to check in with yourself and the women you care about.
If you are due for a mammogram or other recommended screening, consider making the appointment. If something feels different or is concerning, talk with your healthcare provider.
And if you are facing breast cancer now, Melissa’s message is one worth remembering. Click here to email Melissa directly.
You do not have to face the journey alone.
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