Breast Cancer: Cécilia's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Cécilia had been followed for benign mastosis since 2018, but during pregnancy she noticed changes that felt different. Her breast became less mobile and more rigid, the skin darkened and looked like orange peel, and the nipple retracted. A general practitioner ordered an ultrasound as a precaution, but another clinician suggested it could wait until after delivery. Cécilia waited about 3 weeks to 1 month before going for imaging. During the ultrasound, the doctor’s reaction made clear that this was not simple mastosis. A mammogram followed, and she was told the findings looked cancerous. She held onto the need for biopsy confirmation, while another radiologist explained that the biopsy would help determine the cancer subtype and that chemotherapy would be needed. Cécilia was in her 7th month of pregnancy. A port was placed so intravenous chemotherapy could be given. Her delivery was planned between 2 chemotherapy cycles, and her daughter Charlie was born on a date that was meaningful to the family. Charlie also had a genetic condition unrelated to the cancer, so Cécilia had to manage cancer treatment, new motherhood, and neonatal concerns at the same time. As of October 2024, chemotherapy during pregnancy is clear, while stage, biomarkers, surgery, radiation, and final disease status are not specified.