What happened, in summary

Kate was diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer that was ER-positive and HER2-negative, with spread to her liver. Her largest liver metastasis measured 11.5 cm at diagnosis.

Her oncologist started first-line treatment with palbociclib (Ibrance) and letrozole. Seven years later, she was still taking the same combination, making her story one of long-term treatment on a single metastatic regimen. She credits an oncologist who was willing to listen to her and use newer treatment approaches even while she was receiving care in rural Alabama.

Kate describes metastatic cancer as something she has learned to accommodate rather than a battle she can simply finish. Her husband, friends, children, grandchildren, pets, faith, and work as an artist all help her continue living with uncertainty. More than seven years into treatment, she remains focused on the life around her while acknowledging the seriousness of metastatic disease.