Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Sandra's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Sandra Monsonís was 43 and had not had a medical checkup for more than 5 years when a friend encouraged her to see a gynecologist. She had some breast discomfort but did not feel a clear lump. That visit found a lump that became a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis. Sandra had a family history of breast cancer in her paternal grandmother and a first cousin, but the diagnosis still came as a shock. Her first treatment was surgery, followed by several chemotherapy sessions and then radiation therapy. The operation went well, and recovery was manageable, but she knew treatment would be hard and that she needed strength for what came next. Two years after surgery, she wanted a breast reduction because of back problems. Because of her triple-negative history, her surgeon recommended BRCA testing. The result was positive, so the plan changed from reduction to double mastectomy with implants placed during the operation. Six months later, infection developed in the breast that had received radiation, and the implant had to be removed urgently. Sandra later used an external prosthesis and had her ovaries removed because of hereditary cancer risk. As of November 2021, she felt healthy, happy, and supported by her husband, family, and friends.