What happened, in summary

Kelsey Harrison was diagnosed with Stage II estrogen-positive breast cancer at age 27 after noticing a tender lump during a yoga session. Imaging showed a large tumor, about 5 cm, and abnormal lymph nodes. She had no known family history or genetic explanation, which made the diagnosis especially shocking. Because the tumor was large and fast growing, treatment began with chemotherapy. Kelsey had 18 weeks of chemotherapy, starting with dose-dense AC, also called the Red Devil, every 2 weeks. She then moved to weekly Taxol, but developed repeated anaphylactic reactions. After multiple reactions, her team switched her to a Taxol alternative; the exact name was not clear. On December 1, she had a double mastectomy with left axillary lymph-node removal. Fifteen lymph nodes were removed, and 8 were cancerous. She was able to have implants placed immediately, but recovery was difficult because of nerve pain, cording, and limited arm movement. She then completed 16 radiation sessions to the left side. Kelsey was unable to freeze eggs before chemotherapy, but she received Lupron to help protect her ovaries. As of July 2024, she was taking tamoxifen and Lupron, with additional systemic therapy planned, while rebuilding strength and caring for her young son.