Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Roxanne's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Roxanne, from Anchorage, Alaska, was 36 when she was diagnosed with Stage IIB grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in April 2024. The first clue came the previous summer, when her boyfriend noticed a bump in the right breast. She saw her primary care doctor in September 2023, but with no family history and no obvious high-risk features, she chose to wait. By March 2024, the breast felt different enough that she pushed for imaging. Her first mammogram and ultrasound were done in April. The mammogram described an irregular spiculated mass in the right breast that was highly suggestive of malignancy, and biopsy confirmed breast cancer. The mass was 3.4 cm from the nipple. Genetic testing did not show a family-risk finding. Because Roxanne still hoped to have a family, she froze eggs before starting treatment. She then went through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, finishing radiation on April 28, 2025. She was identified as having no evidence of disease after treatment. Roxanne continued working as a nurse during chemotherapy and radiation, took time off after surgery, and stayed active through workouts and even a half marathon. Her story emphasizes advocacy, support, therapy, and accepting help.