"I Didn't Feel Right": Sherri's Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer Story

[Sherry]

My name is Sherry Overstreet, and I am a single mom with two adult children—a daughter who just turned 21 and a son who is 19—and a senior in high school, who is 17. I served in the Air Force for 23 years and retired in 2017. In my forties, I went back to school, earned a master’s in clinical counseling, and ran a private practice as a therapist for about five years.

I thought I was healthy, working out regularly and running my business, though I was feeling a little burnt out. I decided to take a trip to Costa Rica to unwind. During that week, I noticed I was out of breath more easily, but I dismissed it as jet lag or a change in altitude. A hike there left me slightly winded, but nothing alarming.

The real warning came when I returned home. While walking to the post office carrying boxes, I felt like I might pass out. My heart was racing, and I didn’t feel right. I met a friend for brunch and admitted I was still off. Following her advice, I called a nurse triage line, and she immediately told me to go to the emergency room. I drove myself to the ER, thinking I had picked up a virus.

At the ER, they found my oxygen level was at 70. Blood tests showed my platelets and hemoglobin were dangerously low, requiring immediate transfusions. The hospital was unsure what was happening. They discovered a mass under my right breast and sent me to an ICU in Denver for further evaluation. That mass turned out to be cancerous, and my low blood levels were caused by metastasis to my bone marrow. After Thanksgiving, I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer.

I had no symptoms prior to this, and my last mammogram had noted dense breast tissue. I also had a swollen lymph node in my armpit, which I hadn’t noticed. The doctors told me it was aggressive. At first, I went into a freeze response and couldn’t process the news. I was exhausted, with almost no energy to move. It took me months and attending a support group to come to acceptance. Hearing other patients’ stories initially made me feel doomed, but I realized my story was different from anyone else’s. Acceptance allowed me to focus on what I could do in the present moment.

Before any treatment could start, my blood levels had to improve. My platelets were around 20,000, while a healthy level is 150,000. I visualized milestones, like reaching 90,000, and they gradually improved. I began targeted treatment with Pertuzumab, which, along with blood transfusions, helped me recover steadily. I transferred care to Banner Health and underwent 12 rounds of Herceptin-based chemo. I lost my hair, which is now growing back, and experienced mainly heaviness and fatigue. I rested a lot but tolerated the treatment well, without severe side effects.

Throughout the process, I focused on mindset. I reframed language that was negative or fear-inducing, visualized myself healthy, and checked in with my body to understand what it needed. I nurtured myself in ways I hadn’t before and allowed myself to feel gratitude for being alive. Listening to my doctors while staying present and grounded was key.

I continue on infusion therapy every three weeks for stage four HER2-positive breast cancer. Since November, I have had three PET scans. The first scan showed widespread disease in my bones, but the second scan, three months later, revealed no evidence of disease. My most recent scan confirmed this again, and previously fractured ribs have healed. These results have been hard to believe at first, but they reinforce the importance of trusting the treatment and staying vigilant.

I have learned that fear is natural, but facing it rather than running from it brings inner freedom. I now live with gratitude, focusing on the present moment. I’ve started a podcast to help others, and my spiritual connection has deepened. This experience has taught me that each person’s story is unique. Comparing yourself to others is not productive; your journey is your own. I encourage vigilance with labs and exams, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who can help interpret and reinforce important information.

Cancer has been transformative for me, revealing the importance of self-care, mindset, and spiritual connection. It has shown me that even with a serious diagnosis, life is still worth living fully, with hope, purpose, and presence.

[Kenny]

Sherry, your story is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and fierce self-advocacy. After 23 years in the Air Force, raising three children, building a counseling career, and then facing stage four HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, you have shown extraordinary strength. The shock of going from feeling “mostly healthy” to an oxygen level of 70 and a life-altering diagnosis must have been overwhelming. Yet even in that freeze response, you found your way forward.

Your mindset work stands out. Visualizing your platelets rising from 20,000 toward healing milestones reflects both your clinical insight and inner determination. Beginning targeted therapy with Pertuzumab and undergoing Herceptin-based chemotherapy required courage, especially while navigating fatigue and hair loss. Seeing your PET scans shift from widespread bone metastasis to no evidence of disease is nothing short of remarkable. That kind of response reinforces how powerful modern targeted treatments can be when combined with vigilance and trust in your care team.

I deeply admire how you reframed fear rather than denying it. Choosing presence over panic, gratitude over despair, and self-nurturing over self-neglect speaks volumes about your growth. As a therapist, you likely supported many through hardship; now you embody the lessons you once taught. Starting a podcast to uplift others shows that your service continues in a new, meaningful way.

Your message about not comparing journeys is so important. Every cancer story is biologically and spiritually unique. By encouraging regular labs, open communication with doctors, and strong support systems, you are empowering others to stay proactive.

Sherry, your life reflects purpose beyond diagnosis. You are living proof that even with stage four cancer, hope, presence, and deep spiritual connection can coexist with treatment. Your story will continue to inspire many.

[Amul]

Sherry, your strength and faith are inspiring. From sudden diagnosis to no evidence of disease, your resilience, mindset, and gratitude shine. Thank you for sharing hope and reminding others to stay vigilant and present.

[Deep]

Sherry, your resilience and perspective are powerful. From sudden diagnosis to no evidence of disease, your courage, faith, and commitment to helping others reflect incredible strength and hope.

[Anne]

Sherry, your journey is extraordinary. After serving 23 years in the Air Force, you’re now fighting with the same strength and discipline. Seeing no evidence of disease after stage four HER2-positive breast cancer is incredible. Your mindset, vigilance, and gratitude are powerful reminders that hope, faith, and proactive care truly matter.