How One Young Woman Turned an Unexpected Diagnosis into an Empowering Call to Action

A 24-year-old patient noticed a mass in her left breast during the summer of 2017 but did not initially suspect cancer. Because her gynecologist also presumed it might be a fibroid, they arranged additional tests at MD Anderson’s Undiagnosed Breast Clinic. A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy soon revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. Surprisingly, the cancer was triple-negative, meaning it lacked specific genetic markers for targeted therapy, and it had already reached stage III.

Given its aggressive nature, chemotherapy became the first line of defense. The patient started treatment on September 21, 2017, completing 22 of the prescribed 28 rounds before scans suggested the tumor was growing. Under the guidance of Dr. David Ramirez, surgery became the next essential step. On February 8, 2018, she underwent a complete mastectomy on the left side and removal of 34 lymph nodes. Fortunately, pathology reports showed 95% of the tumor was actually dead tissue; what appeared as growth on scans turned out to be swelling and scar tissue, indicating the chemotherapy had been effective after all.

With that encouraging news, 33 rounds of radiation therapy started in March 2018 under Dr. Eric Strom. On May 8, 2018, she rang the bell marking the end of radiation and learned she had no evidence of disease since surgery. However, triple-negative breast cancer carries a higher risk of recurrence, so she opted for preventive surgery in November to remove the other breast. Dr. Sarah DeSnyder and Dr. Summer Hanson performed a double mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction.

Though there was no genetic component to her cancer, the patient emphasizes the importance of regular self-exams and vigilance for those under 40. Early detection can make all the difference, especially when mammograms are not routinely recommended at younger ages. Her story highlights not only the significance of paying attention to any unusual changes, but also the hope and resilience that can come from timely medical intervention and unwavering determination.