A Survivor’s Inspiring Journey from Metastatic Cancer to Long-Term Remission

In June 2011, a 60-year-old woman, who had worked as a recruiter and had a history of type 2 diabetes, noticed nodules in her right breast. She underwent a mammogram, followed by a PET/CT scan, which confirmed a right breast mass with possible lymph node involvement. A biopsy revealed triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that does not express hormone receptors or HER2. She underwent a right modified radical mastectomy later that month. Pathology confirmed that 19 lymph nodes were positive for metastatic disease. She proceeded with six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, completing treatment in November 2011, followed by radiation therapy, which she completed in January 2012. A PET/CT scan in February 2012 showed no signs of residual cancer.

Just months later, in June 2012, she discovered an enlarged left supraclavicular lymph node. A biopsy confirmed that her cancer had returned and metastasized to her bone and lymph nodes. Facing recurrent metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), she started palliative chemoradiation but discontinued it shortly after. Seeking another opinion, she opted for systemic chemotherapy, receiving seven different regimens between July 2012 and June 2014. To help prevent complications from bone metastases, she also received monthly zoledronic acid and supportive medications to boost her immune system. Over time, her treatment was adjusted based on tolerance and response. A PET/CT scan in July 2013 revealed no metabolic activity in her previously affected bone lesion, indicating a strong response to treatment. After completing chemotherapy in June 2014, follow-up scans showed no evidence of metastatic disease.

Now 68 years old, she remains in remission and has not needed chemotherapy since 2014. While she discontinued zoledronic acid in 2015 due to mild osteonecrosis of the jaw, routine scans continue to show no signs of recurrence. Her journey demonstrates the importance of persistence, innovative treatment approaches, and expert medical care in overcoming metastatic TNBC. Today, she enjoys a good quality of life, inspiring others with her incredible resilience.