What happened, in summary

Sarah was 53 when she was diagnosed in April 2019 with hormone-dependent, grade 1 infiltrating breast carcinoma. Several nodules measured 3 to 8 mm. After MRI, 3 oncologists recommended breast removal, followed by radiation and possibly chemotherapy. Sarah felt she could not accept that plan and looked for another path. In June 2019, she began a metabolic approach while continuing regular breast ultrasound monitoring. She changed her diet, reduced sugar, carbohydrates, and dairy, walked in nature, used stress-reduction practices, and built a support network around her choices. In January 2020, ultrasound suggested the nodules had decreased, and her blood tests were good. In February 2020, after 9 months, she found an oncologist willing to follow her. He prescribed hormone-suppression injections to stop menstrual cycles, cyclophosphamide 50 mg, and palbociclib 75 mg. When COVID-19 began spreading, Sarah reduced the doses, taking 3 cyclophosphamide tablets per week for 8 weeks and 2 to 3 palbociclib tablets. Decapeptyl injections stopped her cycles but caused hot flashes, mood changes, lower libido, and depressive symptoms. In June 2020, MRI showed that the nodules were no longer visible. Sarah’s story centers on individualized treatment decisions, close monitoring, and emotional self-advocacy.