Stage II Breast Cancer: India's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

India Robinson was 40 when her first mammogram in August 2022 led to more imaging, ultrasound, and 2 biopsies. On October 25, her birthday, she learned that 1 biopsied area was malignant. Within days, she and her family met with a Cleveland Clinic team to plan genetic testing, radiation oncology, hematology, and breast surgery care. Additional testing confirmed Stage II breast cancer. India had surgery on November 15, and the cancer was removed with clear margins. Chemotherapy began on December 12 and continued until March. Treatment was physically difficult, causing mouth sores, hair loss, and major changes in how she looked and felt. Radiation treatment also ended in March but caused second-degree burns. Soon after, India developed painful swelling from lymphedema. Her right arm felt heavy, and fluid shifted between her arm and breast despite occupational therapy, compression garments, massage, and exercise. In July 2024, she became the first patient in the United States to undergo robotically assisted lymphatic microsurgery using the Symani Surgical System. The outpatient procedure created tiny bypasses to reroute lymph fluid. Swelling improved by about 70% within 24 hours and later completely resolved. As of January 2025, India had returned to work, the gym, and daily life after treatment and lymphedema surgery.