Stage II Breast Cancer: Elsa's Patient Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage II
- Treatment
- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy
- Outcome
- Care Ongoing
Treatment course, step by step
- Lumpectomy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Ongoing anastrozole hormone therapy.
What happened, in summary
Elsa regularly examined her breasts and sought care after finding a small lump in her left breast and noticing changes in its size and shape. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The news left her frightened, nervous, isolated, and powerless. Her doctors recommended breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A quadrantectomy was first considered, but she ultimately underwent a lumpectomy. She chose the plan after reviewing medical advice, conducting her own research, and considering what was financially feasible. Treatment caused diarrhea, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting, which she managed with prescribed medication. Her illness also reduced her salary and added financial stress. Elsa later said her cancer was in remission, while anastrozole hormone therapy and pain medication continued. Support from a local cancer organization helped her cope with fears of pain and being alone. Over time, she felt less fearful and sad and more courageous, optimistic, and grateful for the support she had received.
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