Stage III Breast Cancer: Diana's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Diana was 40 when persistent pain in her right breast led her to feel a small lump. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and initially felt powerless, vulnerable and sad. Her doctors explained that treatment offered a chance of survival if the cancer responded well.

Her care included a mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Her chemotherapy included doxorubicin, paclitaxel/Abraxane, carboplatin and capecitabine. A catheter was implanted, and supportive medicines included medication for pain, nausea and allergic reactions, along with pegfilgrastim. Diana also continued a low-toxicity antineoplastic monotherapy.

Treatment affected her ability to work at a computer. Delays in disability-benefit payments created additional financial pressure. Diana used faith, prayer, positive relationships and activities that kept her mind occupied to manage fear. She also improved her diet and later increased her exercise.

Diana described herself as being in remission while continuing monotherapy. She hoped to travel, continue her education and spend more time with family and friends. Her experience left her more confident and thankful, and she encouraged others not to equate a cancer diagnosis automatically with death.