Adding a ribbon- my HER2 breast cancer diagnosis
Thus far my blog has centered on parenting a child with a life threatening disability and navigating her fight for survival and those associated challenges.
We’ve reached a fork in the road where I have become the patient. We are still seizing hope for Haley, but now we are seizing hope for me too.
March 2025 I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer. I was preliminarily staged at 3B, however imaging has shown likely metastasis to my lungs that would be stage 4. I will find out for sure at my lung biopsy on 5/1. May Day. A day to celebrate new life.
In my last appointment, after the discovery of bilateral lung nodules, the mood shifted. The message became more apologies than hope. The suggested treatment plan changes to be less aggressive, as the focus shifts from curative to palliative. I’m handed statistics and protocols and nowhere in there am I considered a person anymore. It felt like my medical team gave up.
But I didn’t. I have too much to live for not to fight. Not just the cancer, but the insurance company that doesn’t want to cover a more aggressive chemo regiment, the Dr that is protocol driven, the pharmaceutical companies that make more money keeping me alive, but sick.
I’m pursuing second and third opinions.
Although this fight will be hard, what I’m fighting for makes it easy. More life. More experiences. More memories. More time with those I love.
After all, I’ve spent my whole life learning to fight, I’ve just been training for this.
seizinghopedotcom 
I realize it’s been a few years but just saw this. If you would like a referral to friends / colleagues who are some of the top oncologists in the country, send me a note. I’ve referred family to them and some have taken part in clinical trials. It’s next level care…far beyond what you are currently experiencing.
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I would definitely appreciate referrals! I’m pursuing trials as well.
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I have several friends that are stage 4, also saying fuck you to the medical teams that have not been supportive. They were told there wasn’t much hope. How dare they. And so began their determination to prove them wrong. Both are woman whom I admire, follow and take advice from. Books written and statics proven wrong. Mindset is everything. You seem to already have the knowledge and strength to grab this bull by the horns. You are a bad ass, a fighter and advocate for so many others. I will definitely be supporting you and continuing to pray. This cancer has picked the wrong girl to mess with. Please reach out anytime you need a hug, encouragement, help with the kids….. anything! Please message me your new address if you can. 🙏🏼
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Although we’ve only seen each other virtually, please know you have a friend and Pink Sister with me always. Virtual hugs, and know we will meet face to face someday!
Olivia
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