What happened, in summary

Linda Norman was approaching her 60th birthday in January 2019 when a routine mammogram found a small mass in her left breast. Biopsy confirmed breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy, then 10 radiation treatments over 2 weeks. Anastrozole caused extreme joint pain, so she switched to tamoxifen and returned to work. For almost 5 years, life felt normal. Then she developed breast pain and discomfort. Ultrasound and biopsy confirmed recurrence, and a PET scan was ordered to see whether the cancer had spread. While waiting for results during a family visit, Linda fell, broke her humerus, and learned the bone was badly deteriorated. Her doctor then called with the PET scan results: the cancer had spread to her bones. Treating the damaged shoulder required a reverse shoulder replacement, followed by recovery and physical therapy. Her oncologist started letrozole plus Verzenio, and she also received infusions every 2 months to strengthen her bones and prevent more fractures. As of August 2025, Linda was 1 year into treatment. Her scans showed the tumor had not grown, and scarring on the bone suggested healing. Exercise and physical therapy became central to managing fatigue, pain, and daily life with metastatic breast cancer.