What happened, in summary

LaShae was diagnosed with multicentric breast cancer while pursuing a PhD in cancer prevention research. She first felt a small movable lump in 2022 and pushed it aside, but by late 2023 it felt larger and painful. At a wellness visit in January 2024, she asked for a breast exam. That led to an ultrasound and then a mammogram the same day.

Imaging showed multiple masses and fine calcifications throughout all 4 quadrants of the right breast, spanning about 12.7 cm, with concern for lymph-node involvement. A biopsy confirmed cancer. MRI confirmed widespread disease within the breast, and PET scan showed no distant spread. The cancer was ER-positive, and later testing showed a MammaPrint high-risk recurrence result. A 70-gene hereditary cancer panel was negative.

Because the disease involved all 4 quadrants, LaShae did not have the usual lumpectomy options. She had a right simple mastectomy on her 27th birthday. Two lymph nodes were positive. Her team recommended chemotherapy, radiation, and 5 to 10 years of hormonal treatment.

As of June 2024, she was undergoing TC chemotherapy with scalp cooling and using Zoladex to help preserve ovarian function. She continued to powerlift when able and saw the experience as shaping her future research and advocacy.