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
My name is Cassie and I’ve been living with metastatic breast cancer since November of 2020.
In January of 2020, at 42 years old, I went for my routine mammogram. I felt great and had not been experiencing any symptoms that would lead me to feel anything other than my usual, healthy self. However, there is a history of breast cancer in my family, so I was trying to be proactive and had been getting these tests since I was 38 years old.
The results of this mammogram and ultrasound were different. They showed that there was a lump in my right breast as well as “something” in a lymph node. I would need a biopsy done, but it was very suspicious for breast cancer.
I’ll never forget the feeling I had after leaving the imaging center that Friday evening. It’s very surreal to walk into a building having a fairly normal, predictable life and walk out 2 hours later feeling like a completely different human being. Similar to what an out of body experience might feel like I would imagine. In the span of 120 minutes, my ordinary, mundane life had vanished and in the weeks to come, I would be propelled into an entirely new world and sense of self. One filled with enormous amounts of unpredictability, fear, anxiety and sadness like I had never experienced before.
After my biopsy results came back, it was confirmed that I indeed had cancer, it was stage 2 at that time. I remember everyone around me celebrated at the fact that it was considered “early stage” breast cancer, which meant a better prognosis. I remember my primary care doctor telling me it would be the most difficult year of my life, but it would one day be nothing but a distant memory. A dot at the end of a sentence. The many positive words from friends, family and doctors made me feel hopeful.
So after difficult decisions were made, I underwent a double mastectomy. While I recovered, testing of my tumor showed there was a low chance of recurrence, therefore I only required radiation and did not need chemotherapy. I felt like I could see the storm passing and could see glimpses of my former self in the horizon.
However, three months after I completed my radiation treatments, my life would change once again. A swollen lymph node in my neck resulted in a precautionary scan, more scans and finally a liver biopsy/resection. These events ultimately led to the discovery that my breast cancer had returned and had spread to my liver. The new diagnosis I was given was stage iv breast cancer…which was now incurable.
Since my diagnosis, I have had progression to my spine, more rounds of radiation, and now have inflammation in my lungs. I have been in a clinical trial for over 3 years which involves taking a chemo-like pill daily, bloodwork and injections every 4 weeks and scans every three months.
Words can never describe how grateful I am for the support I’ve received over the last few years from friends, family and amazing, generous strangers. I feel so fortunate that I am under the care of great doctors and hospitals. I am thankful for every day I get to wake up and have another opportunity to connect with loved ones and make new memories.
I recently wrote a book called, “What To Expect When You Weren’t Expecting Metastatic Breast Cancer”. It’s a kids-style book for adults to help others diagnosed and their family members. It’s available on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/9ee5Nf3.
METAvivor is very important to me because it is helping to spread the word and educate people on what stage iv breast cancer means. Not ALL breast cancer is pink ribbons. METAvivor is creating much needed awareness on the importance of funding to help those of us who will be on treatments for the rest of our lives.
Knowledge is power, so please help me spread the word on the importance of this venerable charity. I am hopeful that one day the metastatic breast cancer colors of teal, green and pink will symbolize a curable disease. I want this dream to become a reality not only for myself, but for all of the thrivers and their loved ones, past, present and future.
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
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Follow @LightUpMBC on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to our campaign!
Use #LightUpMBC and #METAvivor tags in all social posts to help raise awareness.
Support METAvivor Research and Support by making a donation through this page, and be sure to share with friends!
Thank you!