HER2-Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: June's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

June Lee first had breast cancer in April 2005, when she was 43. A mammogram found early signs of cancer in her left breast, even though the lump she had felt was on the right. She was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, had a lumpectomy, and received radiotherapy. After 5 years of follow-up and mammograms, she was discharged from routine cancer care. Eighteen years later, in January 2023, a regular mammogram and biopsies showed that cancer had returned in the left breast and had spread to lymph nodes. Her initial plan had been left mastectomy, but after scans and biopsies showed lymph node involvement, treatment changed. June received 6 months of chemotherapy to shrink the cancer and reduce the chance of further spread before surgery. The treatment was exhausting, causing taste changes, weight loss, anemia, weakened veins, and hair loss. On September 5, 2023, she had a left mastectomy and removal of all lymph nodes. She chose not to have breast reconstruction and planned to use a custom prosthesis instead. After surgery, she continued Phesgo injections for HER2-elevated disease while adjusting to recovery and life after recurrent breast cancer. Her story captures both the physical toll of recurrence treatment and the emotional decision to avoid reconstruction.