Every day 117 people in the U.S. die of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage 4, where the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Funding MBC research is the only way to find a cure!
ABOUT ME
***METAvivor is the only national organization with a scientific peer-reviewed grant program where 100% of donations fund MBC research. I am excited be a patient advocate reviewer of the grant proposals submitted to METAvivor this year. ***
During self breast exams, I never felt a lump and neither did my gynecologist at the yearly exam. In Feb 2019, it was time for my routine yearly mammogram. Something looked suspicious so after an ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined I had Stage 2 breast cancer with a 3 cm tumor in the left breast. Everyone acted like it was no big deal because it was caught early.
After lumpectomy surgery to remove the tumor and a few lymph nodes, I was preparing for radiation and chemo and ready to fight for next year of my life. I did so much research on my own to learn every detail about my diagnosis because I just kept thinking "How can this be no big deal and EARLY, when no one is even looking to see if it spread any further?" After reading my pathology report and finding that the 2 lymph nodes that were removed were both positive, I urged my oncologist for testing to see if the cancer had spread. He didn't think it was necessary because I wasn't having any symptoms. I said “Symptoms? Isn’t it too late when there are symptoms?” He explained that was standard of care protocol. I practically begged him and provided evidence from the pathology report. He reluctantly agreed to ease my mind by ordering a CT scan and bone scan.
Those results determined something suspicious on the liver so he ordered a biopsy. I think the Dr was more shocked than I was. He kept repeating how sorry he was. It had now been 4 months of tests, procedures and waiting on results, since I had been diagnosed. I was an elementary teacher and had missed so much time at work, having to have a substitute every time I left for a procedure. My poor third graders knew none of this, only that their teacher was beginning to be absent quite a bit. The curious questions started and there was no way I could tell them the truth.
On May 31, 2019, I finally received the results from the liver biopsy. Positive for breast cancer. So the stage 2 diagnosis I was given 4 months earlier was false. I actually had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer to the liver and a few bones, which is terminal and there is NO CURE. The prognosis is 36 months and the 5 year survival rate is 31%.
I was 44 years old, married, mother of two teenage daughters, and in total disbelief how this could happen, when I did everything I was supposed to do. I did self-breast exams. I had my yearly mammograms.
After a second opinion at MD Anderson, I quickly started treatment in July of 2019. Due to side effects and fatigue, I quit my teaching job that I loved. Each scan showed some of the liver tumors decreasing, some stable, and the tumors in the bones were going away! The treatment is working well (for now), but every day I research for the next best thing so I can be prepared when this treatment inevitably stops working.
Thats how this works. You are on some kind of treatment forever. When the treatment stops working (meaning either the side effects get too bad or too toxic for your body, or the cancer starts to spread) you go on another treatment. BUT there are only so many treatments available, and each one has its own set of side effects and toxicities, or just isn't effective for very long. Then you try another treatment until there are no more to try. This is how 115 people in the U.S. die EVERY DAY of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This is why funding research is so important.
I am an ambassador for METAvivor and LightupMBC because I want future generations, including my two daughters, to have many treatment options or a cure for Metastatic Breast Cancer.
WHAT IS #LightUpMBC ?
The #LightUpMBC campaign is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research to benefit METAvivor. Held annually in October, the campaign partners with hundreds of iconic landmarks around the world to illuminate in the symbolic MBC awareness colors of green, teal, and pink. By uniting patients, families, and supporters, #LightUpMBC shines a spotlight on the urgent need for more research and resources to improve outcomes for MBC patients.
#LightUpMBC Live is a dynamic virtual event that serves as the centerpiece of the #LightUpMBC campaign, bringing together the metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community and its supporters for an evening of storytelling, inspiration, and impact. Hosted annually on October 13 on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, this live-streamed program features powerful stories from MBC patients and their families, musical performances, and appearances by special guests who amplify the mission of raising awareness and funds for MBC research. #LightUpMBC Live provides a platform for education and advocacy, highlighting the urgency of funding scientific breakthroughs for the most advanced stage of breast cancer. For more info on how to watch, get involved, or view the list of participating landmarks, please visit www.LightUpMBC.org
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Thank you!