Embracing Hope, Family Support, and Informed Choices Amid Stage IV Diagnosis

April’s first diagnosis came in 2015 when a routine mammogram revealed a suspicious spot. Stage 1 breast cancer soon became her reality. Treatment included a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy. To reduce the risk of recurrence, her medical team prescribed tamoxifen for five years, which she completed in May 2021. During this time, she remained vigilant about regular checkups and scans.

Shortly after finishing tamoxifen, rising blood markers prompted further testing. Devastatingly, the scans showed that April’s cancer had spread beyond her breast and lymph nodes, classifying it as metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Learning there was no cure left her overwhelmed and frightened. She struggled with the idea of “living with cancer” for the rest of her life.

Seeking community, April turned to a support group and utilized the educational resources from Susan G. Komen’s website. There, she gained a better understanding of mBC, a form of breast cancer that commonly spreads to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. While it can be treated to prolong life and preserve quality of life, there is currently no cure.

Throughout her journey, communication with health care providers remained critical. When April realized she and her original oncologist were not aligning on a treatment plan, she took the courageous step to seek out a new specialist—one recommended by fellow support group members—who truly listens to her concerns and values her input.

Family support has been another key element of April’s resilience. Her daughter, who supported her through stage 1, once again stands as her pillar of strength. Their shared faith fortifies April’s conviction that a future cure is possible. Thankfully, she has been able to maintain her job and has avoided significant treatment side effects so far. Balancing everyday life, she focuses on reducing stress and cherishes the good days, choosing hope over despair.