Stage III Breast Cancer: Blanca's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Blanca, 58, found a lump under her right breast during a shower while doing her usual self-exam. She called her doctor the next day, then had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. The biopsy was positive, and she was eventually diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. The diagnosis felt overwhelming and frightening, but Blanca tried to hold on to courage and optimism. She also changed her diet, making a sustained effort to eat healthier several days each week. Her treatment path included completing active treatment while not receiving radiation therapy, followed by ongoing hormone therapy. Making the treatment decision was less emotional than practical for her: she felt she had to stay hopeful and move forward. Treatment also created financial strain when she lost Medicaid insurance and had to pay out of pocket. After treatment, Blanca stayed committed to a healthier diet and became more intentional with family. She called and texted her parents more often, spent more time with her children, and hoped to visit family in Puerto Rico at least once a year. As of 2021, she had completed active treatment and remained on hormone therapy. She still worried about other medical conditions and how treatment might affect her health, but she focused on living 1 day at a time and seeing her children grow into their own dreams.