They Told Me It Was A Cyst - It Was CANCER! - Kate | Stage 4 Breast Cancer | The Patient Story

Summary

In this emotional and candid account, Kate, a 35-year-old mother of two, shares her journey from repeatedly dismissed medical concerns to a devastating stage-four breast cancer diagnosis. She recounts years of being told a growing lump was harmless, only to discover it had spread, forcing her into aggressive treatment and life-altering decisions. Through chemotherapy, hair loss, and fear for her family’s future, she remains determined to fight for time with her children. Her story becomes a powerful call to action—urging others to advocate for their health, demand proper testing, and live fully in the present without postponing what truly matters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kate was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2023, after years of doctors dismissing her symptoms and concerns.
• 😀 She had been experiencing symptoms like high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia, which were later understood as red flags for the cancer.
• 😀 Despite finding a lump while breastfeeding in 2002, doctors initially dismissed it as a benign cyst, leading to years of delayed diagnosis.
• 😀 Kate's cancer progressed over time, with the mass growing from 4mm to 15cm before it was properly diagnosed as stage 3 and eventually stage 4.
• 😀 She emphasizes the importance of advocating for yourself when doctors dismiss your concerns and to demand proper testing like biopsies and mammograms.
• 😀 The emotional toll of cancer treatment includes significant hair loss, fatigue, and 'chemo fog,' but Kate's resolve to fight for her children and family keeps her motivated.
• 😀 In response to her cancer diagnosis, Kate has chosen aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and radiation, with the goal of survival.
• 😀 Despite her diagnosis, Kate focuses on enjoying life in the present, urging others to not wait for the 'right time' to live fully and create memories with loved ones.
• 😀 She also speaks about the emotional difficulty of losing her hair and the struggle with her identity as a woman, but ultimately chooses to focus on surviving for her family.
• 😀 Kate advocates for early detection and shares her experience to help others, urging people to act on their health concerns and not wait for symptoms to worsen.
• 😀 She encourages others to enjoy life now—whether it's traveling, spending time with family, or simply living in the moment—because life is unpredictable.

Q & A

What was Kate's initial reaction when she first noticed the lump during breastfeeding?

Kate was concerned and went to the doctor, but was told that she was too young for a mammogram and that the lump could just be a clogged milk duct. She was given an ultrasound but was not recommended for further testing at that point.

How did the doctors initially handle Kate's symptoms over the years?

Over the years, despite the lump growing, the doctors dismissed Kate's concerns. They continually told her that the lump was just a cyst, and no further action like a mammogram or biopsy was recommended, citing her age as a reason.

When did Kate’s diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer become confirmed?

Kate's diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer was confirmed in October 2023, after the cancer had spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes and lungs.

What were some of the red flags that Kate now realizes were linked to her cancer?

Kate now understands that her high blood pressure, severe anxiety, and insomnia were red flags that her body was signaling something wrong, though these were initially treated as separate issues rather than symptoms of cancer.

What impact did the cancer diagnosis have on Kate emotionally and physically?

Emotionally, Kate struggled with the realization of her diagnosis, particularly with the impact it would have on her family. Physically, she underwent chemotherapy, which led to hair loss, exhaustion, and ‘chemo fog,’ where she sometimes struggled to focus or remember things.

How did Kate’s family and friends support her throughout her diagnosis and treatment?

Kate's family, especially her husband and children, were central to her emotional support. Her husband helped her with physical aspects like shaving her head when her hair started falling out, and her friends helped her maintain a sense of normalcy by not allowing her to go through the experience alone.

What was Kate's approach to coping with the possibility of losing her hair?

Kate initially tried to minimize the impact by cutting her hair short, but when it began falling out in chunks, it was an emotional moment. Despite the tears, she allowed her husband to shave her head, and they created a positive atmosphere with music and the involvement of their children.

How does Kate view the concept of living life fully, especially after her diagnosis?

Kate stresses the importance of living for today rather than postponing joy for the future. She encourages people to enjoy life now, travel, and make memories, because you never know what tomorrow brings. She believes that waiting for the 'right time' might mean missing out on life’s precious moments.

What message does Kate have for others regarding self-advocacy in healthcare?

Kate's main message is to advocate for yourself when it comes to healthcare. She urges people to push for tests and answers if they feel something is wrong, even if a doctor dismisses their concerns. She believes that listening to your body and demanding appropriate care is vital.

What did Kate learn about the treatment options available for stage 4 breast cancer?

Kate learned that stage 4 breast cancer is not typically curable but can be treated aggressively to prolong life. Her doctors discussed options like chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation. She was also offered palliative care but chose to continue with aggressive treatment to fight the cancer and extend her life.