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
Silvia Anstey, NH #LightUpMBC Ambassador
At the age of 50, I was diagnosed with de novo occult metastatic breast cancer in my liver. I would like to explain what that means to those who may not know. The term de novo means that I was diagnosed with stage IV BC from the get-go and didn’t go through the first 3 stages. I always think of this as “go straight to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200” from one of my favorite board games. Being diagnosed de novo is rare, but that statistic is, unfortunately, rising from 6% to 10% this past year. The term occult means that there was no primary tumor to be found.
Metastatic breast cancer (or Stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. When we discovered my cancer, I had so many spots in my liver that they stopped counting at 30. Now here comes the really weird part: they can’t see or feel any tumors in my breasts. Doing a liver biopsy showed strong markers of breast cancer, and thus we started the treatment accordingly, and so far so good. Occult accounts for about 2% of cancers in the US. It may sound strange, but finding out that I have an unknown primary tumor allowed me to release any self-blame that I didn’t discover it earlier. I always did my regular self-exams and mammograms, and it was never identified. That being said, my situation is very rare, so please go and schedule your mammogram and be aware of your body and any changes you experience.
MBC can happen at any age, even in your 20s, so if a doctor says no to a mammogram or further testing, you need to advocate for yourself and your loved ones!! With 98% of breast cancer deaths caused by MBC, and only 2% of BC funding going to metastatic, it made me realize how important it is to raise awareness and funding for MBC research. The only charity in the US that gives 90% of all donations to MBC research is METAvivor. If we can find a cure, we can help so many!
For people who know me, I am not one to be an attention seeker or even like to talk about myself. I’m usually the ‘listener’ or ‘caretaker’. However, I feel getting this diagnosis has given me a special purpose, and I have come to realize that even more when my friends and family have literally formed an army around me to support me. If you saw me, you would think I look perfectly healthy, but with the cancer and the medicine I take with it, I have many side effects people don’t see, and that’s ok. Those involved in Anstey’s Army help me with my everyday challenges, bringing me meals, driving me to appointments, asking how I’m doing, sending gifts to brighten my day, and now helping with this important fundraiser/campaign. Speaking out and sharing my story is really to raise awareness and donations to support MBC research and find a cure and better treatments. And with my whole army, I know we can do it.
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!