What happened, in summary

A mother of two young girls learned she had breast cancer while trying to keep everyday family life moving. She and her husband waited until her treatment plan was clear before telling their daughters, then explained chemotherapy in simple terms and prepared them for changes such as fatigue and hair loss.

Over the following year, she received chemotherapy, took part in a clinical trial, and underwent surgery to remove both breasts. She also had an operation to remove her ovaries during the same period. Her care included support from a social worker as well as acupuncture, nutrition services, and sexual-health counseling to help manage the wider effects of treatment.

She completed her final chemotherapy treatment in August 2014 and her last surgery in November 2014. Around the same time, she joined Dana-Farber's Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council. Her experience centered not only on treatment, but also on protecting her children's sense of safety and finding a way to use her experience to help other families.