Community Member Spotlight: Roxana

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the second most common type of breast cancer. Meet Roxana, one of our community members who shares her IDC recurrence story.

How & when were you diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?

I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer on December 4, 2015, followed by a mastectomy and removed involved lymph nodes. I was staged 3c in February 2016. Followed by chemotherapy (AC/Taxol) and 28 sessions of radiation. On November 14, 2016, after advocating to have my ovaries removed, I was then diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

What type of breast cancer do you have? Was it recurrence or de novo?

My breast cancer is ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular carcinoma and it was a recurrence.

What information/support was most helpful for you when you were newly diagnosed?

The most helpful information and support I received when I was newly diagnosed were from my support group called Nueva Vida located in Alexandria, VA. Also when I attended my first and only YSC conference. I was overwhelmed with lots of information which was scary but very helpful. I was able to meet other women who I could relate to and that was very important to me.

What's your favorite part about AdvancedBreastCancer.net? How has online support helped you?

My favorite part about AdvancedBreastCancer.net is that when I am using Instagram they almost always have topics that I can relate to and I can read about others' experiences. I don't feel alone, I am not alone. Mental health, diets, exercise, caregivers, and many more topics (articles) that are available to someone like me with MBC.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?

It is scary when you are told that you have metastatic breast cancer but scientists are always researching new MBC treatments. There are many resources such as financial help and support groups for us. Keep the HOPE and the FAITH. Estamos juntos en esta batalla. Somos Fuertes! (We're in this battle together. We are Strong!)

Would you like to share your metastatic breast cancer story with us? Comment below!