A Warrior Shares Her Story
As Breast Cancer Month draws to a close, we celebrate the millions of women who have battled breast cancer around the globe. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Their stories shed light on the harsh realities of cancer and how they faced their challenges with grace and courage.
Meet Kaitlyn who shares her experience.
Tell us about your diagnosis.
In May of 2024, at 29 years old, I noticed a lump in my breast. I had two young sons at the time. I went to my OB who ordered scans and followed up with a biopsy. Within 3 weeks, it was determined I had triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. I had no family history and my cancer diagnosis came as a huge shock.
What were your first steps after getting this devastating news?
A family friend had recommended ECHO. Right from the start I felt comfortable with them as we charted my course of treatment. I had a large group of family members join me for the first meeting and ECHO was very welcoming. Any concerns I had were clearly addressed – whether educating me about treatment or following up with additional tests to make sure no issue was overlooked.
What treatment did you receive?
I started with chemotherapy in July of 2024. I went through a few months of weekly chemotherapy before starting the more difficult chemotherapy regimen in November. Unfortunately, I battled nonstop fevers, nausea, and pain. I was sent to the Emergency Room six times and admitted to the hospital for multiple days at a time. As soon as I went home, I would get sick again. I missed my son’s 6th birthday, Christmas, New Year’s. It was finally determined that I had an infection of my port. I am thankful for the hospital admissions and IV antibiotics that saved my life.
What happened after chemotherapy?
I went on to get a double mastectomy at end of February, followed by plastic surgery. Then I had radiation. Finally, I had immunotherapy which is a type of cancer treatment that uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. It works by activating or enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. I finished in August. I rang the bell when immunotherapy was complete on August 27.
How was your ECHO experience?
My experience at ECHO was absolutely amazing. All the doctors were the best. When I needed to go to ER, they would call ahead, check on me in the ER, and stop by every day in hospital to check on me. The nurses are incredible – so caring. You get very close with them when you are coming in regularly to do chemotherapy.
Triage was wonderful when I called with an issue or question; they would call me back right away. If I needed to talk with a doctor on a night or weekend, they were always accessible.
Do you have advice for those battling cancer?
You have to fight! Advocate for yourself. Push for what you need. There are a lot of ups and downs – more downs when it comes to cancer. But keep fighting and do whatever it takes.
What would you suggest to women?
Do regular breast self-exams. At 29, I was too young for a mammogram. I was not doing regular self-exams but one day happened to feel a lump which saved my life. Women should definitely do regular exams. And, if you have any family history, make sure to talk with doctors and get more advanced screenings. My sister is now being actively screened and monitored and, thankfully, is not showing signs of cancer.
Do you have a good support system?
I am really fortunate and have a wonderful support system. I have multiple members of family who have helped me. This includes Drew, my boyfriend of 12 years, my mom, dad, sisters, stepparents, and grandparents. I also have great friends and supportive work colleagues who regularly check on me and did fundraisers to help with costs.
What are some of the financial hardships of cancer?
Facing cancer can be really difficult financially. I wasn’t able to work, and Drew had to take time off to care for me and the children. The ECHO Cancer Foundation was wonderful. They applied for so many different grants for me for financial assistance. They gave me Stop and Shop cards to help with gas and groceries. They really came through for me.
What other aspects of ECHO were helpful?
I have started working with the ECHO social worker which is really beneficial. I am bringing my son to meet him too which I think can be helpful since having a parent with cancer can be traumatic. The nutritionist helped me after my many hospital stays when I was having trouble eating. He gave me tips and tricks, products to try, and literature to guide me.
How do you feel today?
I feel good, other than arthritis which can be a side effect of immunotherapy. I am so thankful to be cancer free. I am scared, of course, that cancer can come back.
I was so incredibly lucky to have an amazing care team at ECHO. And I am blessed with a large support network to help me navigate this journey. I have two boys, ages 6 and 9. It is a tough road, but I have a long life to live and am very grateful to be here.