Breast Cancer: Jane's Survivor Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Sex
- Female
- Treatment
- surgery, hormone therapy and reconstruction
- Outcome
- Cancer-Free / NED
Treatment course, step by step
- Right mastectomy removed all visible cancer.
- Tamoxifen was prescribed for 5 years, and breast reconstruction was scheduled.
- Chemotherapy and radiation were not required.
What happened, in summary
Jane Gremling was 66 when a routine mammogram found cancer in her right breast. Her diagnosis came only 6 months after her husband, Ken, had been treated for breast cancer in the same breast. Jane had consistently attended screening mammograms, allowing the cancer to be identified and treated promptly.
Jane underwent a right mastectomy, which removed all of the cancer. Like Ken, she did not need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. She began tamoxifen, planned for 5 years, and scheduled breast reconstruction.
After 47 years of marriage, Jane and Ken relied on the same humor and mutual support that had carried them through many other experiences. Jane had supported Ken during his diagnosis, and he was there for her when she faced surgery and recovery. She described cancer as something to deal with when it happens rather than a reason to lose hope. Her clinical team considered her prognosis for full recovery excellent.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Cleveland Clinic. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer