Breast Cancer: Danièle's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Danièle’s breast cancer was diagnosed quickly after a bra underwire left a mark and her gynecologist sent her for imaging. On February 4, 2016, ultrasound and biopsy raised immediate concern, and by February 11 she was told it was breast cancer that was moving fast. Because the breast was too inflamed for surgery first, treatment began with FEC chemotherapy on February 19. After 3 FEC sessions, her tumor markers rose from 28 to 58, and she felt that worsening symptoms under the nipple were not being taken seriously. With help from her general practitioner, she changed hospitals. The new team treated the situation urgently with 2 inpatient cisplatin sessions, then 25 daily radiation sessions. On June 15, Danièle had a mastectomy in Strasbourg, with 18 lymph nodes removed. She returned home 2 days later without hair, without a breast, and emotionally overwhelmed. Recovery brought severe arm pain, limited movement, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, chest pain, damaged veins, and fear that health might not return. Her surgeon told her that all cancer had been removed and that surveillance was needed. Danièle’s story became one of completed treatment, difficult recovery, and cautious hope.