What happened, in summary

Edith noticed rapid changes in the size and shape of her left breast, followed by a new lump. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The diagnosis left her feeling powerless, vulnerable, and guilty that she had not recognized the symptoms earlier, but confidence in her medical team helped her remain hopeful. Her recommended plan included mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, and she said she proceeded with the plan after considering medical advice and doing her own research. Chemotherapy included docetaxel, platinum agents, and antibody-drug conjugates. Treatment caused diarrhea, fatigue, and hair loss, which she managed with prescribed medication. Edith later described her breast cancer as being in remission, although hormone therapy continued. She had also begun treatment for a separate lymphoma, which was kept distinct from her breast-cancer pathway. She reduced her alcohol intake and tried to live in the moment while coping with uncertainty about whether treatment would continue to work.