Stage IV Breast Cancer: Abigail's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Abigail was 38, running a law firm, and parenting 2 young boys when she found a breast lump while tandem breastfeeding. She also looked back on back and leg pain that she later understood as bone metastases. Because her mother had a history of breast cancer, her doctor sent her for her first mammogram and diagnostic ultrasound, followed by a biopsy. On April 8, 2017, Abigail learned she had breast cancer. The cancer was first thought to be Stage IIA, but her diagnosis ultimately became Stage IV metastatic breast cancer with spread to her bones. Her cancer was strongly hormone-positive, and later genetic testing showed a germline ATM mutation. Abigail chose a lumpectomy with oncoplastic reduction rather than mastectomy, partly because she was still trying to get back to work, parenting, and daily life. The surgery took place in June 2017 after she had to stop producing breast milk so imaging and surgery could move forward. The operation removed a large area of cancer and included tissue from the other breast to preserve symmetry. As of June 2026, Abigail was living with metastatic breast cancer, continuing PET scans every 3 months, and using her legal and advocacy instincts to speak up for better care.