R S
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage II
- Treatment
- hormone therapy
- Outcome
- Care Ongoing
Treatment course, step by step
- She chose mastectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy after reviewing her options.
- She began Femara and remained on treatment.
- Stiff hands and fatigue were managed as treatment side effects.
What happened, in summary
R S was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after finding a painful small lump near the nipple and a very painful 4 cm lump near a lymph node. A friend who had survived breast cancer for 3.5 years helped arrange a second opinion with a private doctor. The confirmed diagnosis left R S overwhelmed, surprised, and powerless. After diagnosis, R S doubled the amount of exercise and ate healthier meals at least 3 times per week. Doctors offered a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy and also recommended chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy. After the case was reviewed by surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, R S chose mastectomy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy. R S began Femara and was still receiving treatment. Femara caused stiff fingers and hands, especially after sleep, while treatment was also associated with fatigue. Exercise, better nutrition, collagen, and calcium supplements helped with coping. Fear of relapse, other cancers, and poor quality of life remained, but support from family, friends, and the clinical team helped R S feel more courageous, hopeful, and thankful.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Our Cancer Stories. 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