Breast Cancer: Rosemarie's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Rosemarie Berthel was 74 at the time of her interview and had received her breast cancer diagnosis at 71. She was widowed, the mother of 4, and already a grandmother and great-grandmother. Mammography had shown scattered abnormal cells in 2007, but she initially declined biopsy and tried alternative treatment. In 2010, she had breast-conserving surgery on the left side. During follow-up testing, doctors found 2 additional nodules behind the nipple, described to her as metastases. A second operation removed the breast completely. Rosemarie then joined a study and received chemotherapy specially matched to her blood analysis. She generally tolerated chemotherapy well, though her strength declined and she still tired more easily afterward. Radiation therapy and hormone therapy followed. She also continued weekly lymph drainage. Rosemarie trusted her doctors and nurses and felt well cared for. Her family helped in practical ways: one granddaughter often accompanied her to appointments, and her children supported the family business when she was exhausted after chemotherapy. Having lost both her son and husband to cancer before her own diagnosis, Rosemarie had already thought deeply about illness and death. She stayed active through sport after cancer, water exercise, and walking with other affected people, while hoping for more good years with her family.