Cancerwise

When I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer in April 2021, I decided that I wanted to make the experience mean something. So, instead of moping around feeling sorry for myself, I thought, “What purpose can I make this serve?”

Then, whenever an opportunity presented itself to turn some aspect of that diagnosis into a positive rather than a negative, I took it. That way, even if I didn’t make it, I figured I’d still win.

Choosing not to let a delayed diagnosis upset me

My first opportunity to put this plan in motion arose while confirming my diagnosis at UT MD Anderson.

A radiologist there was reviewing the films from my last 10 mammograms, which had been performed at another facility. She noted that she could actually see the beginnings of the lump I’d detected in my left breast as early as 2019 — two years before my diagnosis.

I could’ve let myself feel bitter or angry that the cancer might’ve been caught earlier, when it would’ve been easier to treat. But I didn’t. Because while I do believe that the radiologists at UT MD Anderson probably would’ve noticed it sooner, I also believe that I had exactly the right care team at exactly the right time. So, I chose not to let it upset me.

Feeling grateful to join a clinical trial, even if it didn’t work out for me

The second opportunity arose while I was exploring my treatment options at UT MD Anderson.

My care team — which included breast surgical oncologist Dr. Ana Paula Correa Refinetti, breast medical oncologist Dr. Sadia Saleem and plastic surgeon Dr. David Adelman — suggested a clinical trial called ARTEMIS.

The study was for women like me, who had triple-negative breast cancer. If I joined it, I’d receive the standard of care plus a little something extra, to see how the cancer reacted. The goal was to see if the cancer could be treated successfully with less therapy. If it didn’t work, I could try something else.

I joined the trial, but didn’t stay on it for very long. My care team didn’t see the results they were hoping for. The tumor shrank, but not as much as they would’ve liked. So, we pivoted. I started on a different, stronger chemotherapy drug, then had a double mastectomy and radiation therapy.

I’ll admit I was a little disappointed. But I also know it’s challenging to find enough women of color to join clinical trials, so I was happy to contribute. Statistics are all about numbers. And, every time somebody else participates in a clinical trial, scientists have one more data point to consider.