What happened, in summary

Christie Siebel learned through genetic testing that she carried a BRCA mutation after breast cancer had affected other members of her family. At age 30, shortly after the birth of her daughter, she noticed a breast lump while breastfeeding. A biopsy showed triple-negative breast cancer.

Christie received 8 rounds of chemotherapy every 3 weeks, followed by a bilateral mastectomy. She also chose breast reconstruction. She continued working as a clinical dietitian through treatment, scheduling chemotherapy on Fridays so the fatigue and nausea would often be worst over the weekend and she could return to work by Monday or Tuesday.

The experience changed how Christie related to patients dealing with treatment side effects, work and family responsibilities. At the latest update, she was doing well and attending annual breast cancer follow-up. Her later ovarian cancer diagnosis is handled separately so its surgery and chemotherapy are not mixed into this breast cancer record.