What happened, in summary

Angie was 40 when shooting pain in her breast and persistent fatigue led to a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. She was told that her estimated 5-year survival rate was 70%, a number that added to feelings of fear, worry and being overwhelmed.

Chemotherapy caused fatigue, hair loss and cognitive changes she described as chemo fog. Long-term hormone therapy was also part of her care planning, and she worried that Medicaid would not cover it.

Angie initially tried to reduce alcohol and improve her diet. During treatment, however, she sometimes drank more and self-medicated to cope with side effects and distress. She continued trying to cut back and began looking for a therapist to help her become sober.

Her sister, children and friends made during chemotherapy became important sources of support. Angie hoped to celebrate more birthdays, travel with her children and visit her sister in Canada. At the time of her story, care was still ongoing, and she continued to experience isolation and loneliness while working toward healthier ways of coping.