Stage III Breast Cancer: Onagh's Survivor Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage III
- Sex
- Female
- Treatment
- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy
- Outcome
- Cancer-Free / NED
Treatment course, step by step
- She underwent full axillary lymph-node surgery after reviewing her options, which led to lymphedema.
- Her broader plan included mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.
- She later completed active treatment.
What happened, in summary
Onagh found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The news brought fear, grief, resentment, isolation, and a sense of vulnerability. After diagnosis, she increased her exercise and reduced her alcohol intake from 8 drinks to 2 drinks per week. Her treatment plan included mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. After researching her options, Onagh requested full axillary clearance to remove lymph nodes from the armpit. A second opinion gave her more clarity and did not change the plan. She completed treatment, entered complete remission, and no longer required therapy. Treatment caused diarrhea and hair loss, while the axillary clearance led to lymphedema. She managed these effects with exercise, better nutrition, and prescribed medication. Loss of income also created financial pressure. As a mother, Onagh remained motivated by being present for her children and guiding them through life. Counseling helped her cope with the fear of not being there for them, although anxiety and anger continued after treatment.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Our Cancer Stories. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer