Maty has no history of breast cancer in her family and she never felt a lump. A routine mammogram showed a suspicious spot, which led to follow-up tests and a breast cancer diagnosis of HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. 

Delayed Mammogram 

In 2020, Maty’s annual mammogram was scheduled for March, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was pushed back to May. 

During the May appointment, her doctor requested follow-up testing. “I wasn’t initially concerned,” she said. “I have dense breasts, so I’ve been called back before for an ultrasound on the right side.” This time, however, the concerning spot was on her left breast. 

Maty found herself anxiously awaiting the test results. “I kept calling the doctor’s office, saying, ‘Okay, just give me the all clear. I just want to make sure everything is okay,’” she said.   

When the doctor’s office finally called, they asked Maty is she was home alone. “They told me they found breast cancer in my left breast,” she said. “That’s when everything starts going through your mind.”  

Diagnosis & Treatment 

As soon as Maty heard the words ‘you have breast cancer,’ she called her husband and best friend, who came over immediately.  

“I was in shock, but I was also in ‘let’s get this done mode,’” said Maty. “The doctor had given recommendations for an oncologist, a radiologist, and a breast surgeon. I was already making appointments. I was ready to get things done, to move on. That’s how I coped.” 

Maty’s treatment plan included 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and 30 rounds of radiation therapy. 

Working Throughout Treatment 

Maty kept working during treatment. She had chemotherapy once a week, on a Thursday, so she could have Friday-Sunday to recuperate, then start back at work on Monday.  

“We own our company and I’m a property manager,” she explained. “Since it was during COVID, I wasn’t really seeing people, and working helped take my mind off everything that was happening.” 

Cold Capping 

Maty opted to do cold capping during chemotherapy to try and keep as much hair as she could. “I knew some people in our breast cancer community who had done it. I looked into it,” she said. Cold capping helps keep the scalp cool, which can reduce hair loss. She wore a special cap filled with a cold substance before, during and after her chemotherapy sessions.  

Maty was able to rent the materials for cold capping. “I had to line my skin with moleskin so your skin doesn’t burn, and every 20 minutes, the cap has to be changed,” Maty explained. “I don’t think I lost more than 5-8% of my hair because of it. For me, it didn’t seem too bad, but for some people, it’s just too cold.” 

Finding Blessings  

Maty’s family has helped her remain upbeat. She and her husband have two children and three grandchildren. “I’m a very positive person. The glass is always half full,” Maty said. “This experience made me realize the importance of staying positive and finding the many blessings around us that we don’t realize – being able to go for a walk, seeing friends and family, knowing you’re going to be okay. Breast cancer was just a bump in the road.” 

Statements and opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. People with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.