When Valarie was in her 20s, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes pain and fatigue. Because of her health issues, she’s always been in tune with her body. In 2017, pain in her left breast led to a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis. Then, in 2024, pain in her shoulder and hip ultimately led to learning she had metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Stage 2 Breast Cancer
In 2017, Valarie felt pain and a pea-size lump on her left side. Her doctor felt the lump, too, and sent her for an X-ray, followed by a mammogram. “They found a mass and did a biopsy,” she said. “I was so distraught and very worried. The unknown is so scary.”
The biopsy revealed Valarie had breast cancer and she was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma that was HER2-positive. “I had to decide if I wanted to remove one breast or both,” Valarie said. “Knowing that I was HER2-positive, which gives you a higher chance of the breast cancer returning, I chose a double mastectomy.”
Surgery Complications
Unfortunately, Valarie had complications almost immediately after the surgery. Because of her fibromyalgia, her muscles started to tighten and form painful knots that, at first, her doctors worried were masses. “It ended up being a muscular reaction instead,” Valarie explained.
Valarie’s breast reconstruction was also complicated. She had expanders put in, but developed MRSA (an infection) and sepsis (the body’s extreme reaction to an infection). “I had to have several corrective surgeries and ended up with long scars across my chest,” she said.
Valarie ultimately found a new surgeon and had the expanders removed. Six months later, she was finally able to have a successful breast reconstruction. “Despite it all, I pressed forward, determined to rebuild not only my health but also my confidence,” she said.
Difficulties with Treatment
Valarie started chemotherapy and physical therapy. After multiple rounds of chemo, she developed an allergic reaction and had to stop. She had Herceptin infusions (a HER2-targeted therapy) every three weeks for a year, as well as five years of oral medication.
A Period of Calm
“Not having your breasts changes you mentally,” Valarie said. “But I’ve always been very strong-minded and positive and try to look for the silver lining.”
With treatment finished, Valarie felt better than she ever had before. “I was feeling my best,” she said. “I was exercising, eating well and my blood work looked good.”
Troubling Pain
Then, in March 2024, Valarie developed pain in her shoulder and hip. “I thought it was related to my fibromyalgia,” she said. “They did X-rays. Nothing was broken or torn, but they did see a mass on my sternum. They said I needed to see my doctor and have a PET scan.”
Worst Fears Realized
During the scan, Valarie knew something wasn’t right. “It took a long time,” she recalled. “I felt in my gut something was wrong.”
Three days later, Valarie read the results in her MyChart. “It was what I feared most,” she said. “I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. In my sternum, spine, shoulder, hips, lymph nodes and lungs. Reading those words broke me.”
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
“My first thought was pinch me, this can’t be true. How can I feel my best and have this be true?” Valarie wondered. She is currently receiving treatment and participating in a clinical trial .
“For the past year I’ve been stable,” said Valarie. “While my diagnosis is not curable, I continue to fight every day. I don’t let my life be defined by cancer or by a timeline. Instead, I focus on living fully, being present, and cherishing the time I have with my family.”
Susan G. Komen would like to thank Gilead for their generous support of the MBC Impact Series Program.
Statements and opinions expressed are that 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. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
