Stage I Breast Cancer: Stella's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Stella sought evaluation after developing redness and flaky skin on her breast, especially because two maternal aunts had breast cancer. A mammogram led to a diagnosis of Stage I breast cancer. Fear, anxiety and worry were prominent at first, and she responded by exercising more often and improving her diet. Stella underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy. When the cancer responded well, she and her doctor decided not to proceed with radiation therapy. Fertility was an important part of that decision because Stella hoped to have more children and worried that radiation could affect that possibility. She had frozen her eggs before treatment and discussed fertility repeatedly with her doctors and gynecologist. Stella has finished surgery and chemotherapy, is in remission, and remains on hormone therapy. Treatment side effects included hair loss, nausea, vomiting and an infection at the surgical site, which she managed with prescribed medication and nutrition changes. Over time she became more hopeful and optimistic. Her family, especially spending more time with her children and planning future trips, remains a major source of motivation.