Stage II Breast Cancer: Ana's Survivor Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage II
- Sex
- Female
- Treatment
- chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, reconstruction and hormone therapy
- Outcome
- Care Ongoing / Survivorship
Treatment course, step by step
- High-dose chemotherapy every 21 days for about 4 months beginning January 27, 2020
- 12 additional chemotherapy sessions every 14 days
- mastectomy
- radiation therapy
- breast reconstruction
- hormone therapy later changed to anastrozole, which she had taken for about 6 months.
What happened, in summary
Ana was 47 when she noticed a lump in her left breast while showering. Part of the nipple also pulled inward and retracted again when she tried to move it. When referral through her health insurer was taking too long, she sought help from a nonprofit organization, which arranged faster evaluation. A biopsy confirmed stage 2 breast cancer on December 19, 2019.
Treatment began on January 27, 2020, with high-dose chemotherapy every 21 days for about 4 months. She then received 12 additional chemotherapy sessions every 14 days. Her wider treatment course included a mastectomy, radiation therapy and breast reconstruction. Hormone treatment was later changed to anastrozole after health problems, and she had been taking it for about 6 months when she shared her story.
Hair loss, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting were major side effects. Ana focused on nutrition, exercise and psychological and spiritual support. Her parents and 3 children became important sources of strength.
Years after diagnosis, Ana described herself as optimistic, courageous and thankful. She wanted to travel, build a successful business and be present for her youngest daughter and future grandchildren, while continuing to take life one day at a time.
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