Stage IV Breast Cancer: Stephanie's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Stephanie, a Frenchwoman living in New Zealand, found a lump in her right breast in late November 2021. Mammography, ultrasound and biopsy confirmed breast cancer. She was 49 years old. The disease was initially thought to be Stage I, but MRI showed spread to the liver and established Stage IV breast cancer. The change in prognosis was devastating, and Stephanie described fear, anger, nighttime panic attacks and anxiety. Her oncology plan included chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. She completed 8 sessions of chemotherapy and continues immunotherapy to help keep the disease under control. Her doctor later declared the cancer in remission. Stephanie also follows Gerson therapy as an alternative approach and made major diet and lifestyle changes, including becoming vegan and stopping alcohol. Treatment was associated with fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, while the alternative therapy created financial strain. Counseling helped her manage fear and panic attacks. Stephanie remains focused on her family and future, including seeing her son continue his life, growing old with her husband and one day becoming a grandmother.