Hi, I’m Samantha, a mom with a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. I live in Virginia with my husband. I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at 22, in March 2019, just after Valentine’s Day. My boyfriend at the time hugged me from behind, and I felt pain in my left breast. When I checked, I noticed a lump. Initially, my doctor said it was nothing because I was young. I was told to try a warm compress and later given antibiotics, assuming it was an infection. When that didn’t work, I was sent for an ultrasound. Even then, they didn’t think it was cancer due to my age, but I was offered a biopsy just in case. I almost didn’t go through with it, but I did, and it showed abnormal cells. A second biopsy confirmed it was breast cancer.
At that age, cancer wasn’t something I had ever considered. My breast surgeon tried to prepare me gently, explaining how abnormal cells can become cancer. When the diagnosis was confirmed, she arranged a detailed appointment so I could bring my family and ask questions. Initially, I assumed it was early-stage cancer, but further testing showed it was more advanced. The cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, and later scans revealed a small spot on a rib that responded to chemotherapy, confirming stage four.
The initial treatment plan included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, followed by hormone therapy since my cancer was hormone-positive. I started chemotherapy but had to stop one drug early due to nerve damage side effects. Originally, doctors recommended a double mastectomy, but after discovering the spread to my rib, we adjusted the plan to a lumpectomy so I could recover faster and begin radiation, including treatment for the rib lesion.
I completed radiation by November and then started hormone and targeted therapy, continuing for two years. During that time, scans showed no evidence of disease. However, the long-term therapy caused severe physical and mental side effects, which became harder than the initial treatments. Eventually, I stopped therapy earlier than planned and began considering pregnancy. After consulting my doctor and reviewing studies, we decided to try. I became pregnant in April 2022, and overall, the pregnancy went well. I felt better off the medications, despite typical pregnancy symptoms.
After my daughter was born, I was breastfeeding and not undergoing regular scans since I had no symptoms. Later, while taking photos on a mountain, I collapsed from severe back pain. Scans revealed a spinal fracture caused by cancer that had spread, along with multiple lesions in my spine and pelvis. I needed urgent surgery to stabilize my spine before any cancer treatment could resume.
After recovery, I returned to my oncologist and started radiation on the affected vertebra. Then we discussed treatment options, including hormone therapy, an oral chemotherapy pill, or a clinical trial involving a radium-based drug targeting bone metastases. I joined the clinical trial and received the combination treatment, which helped reduce pain and showed some improvement, though results were mixed. Eventually, I had to leave the trial.
After discussing options with my family, I decided to try hormone and targeted therapy again, despite my previous experience. This time, the treatment has been more tolerable and effective. Regular scans now show that it is working, which gives me reassurance.
Throughout this journey, every decision has required careful thought, discussions with doctors, and support from my family. It’s not something you decide quickly—it takes time, reflection, and sometimes faith. Living with stage four cancer means finding a treatment you can tolerate long-term.
Having my daughter changed everything. She became my motivation to continue treatment and keep fighting. Without her, I might not have chosen to try again. My perspective now is to live fully without constantly fearing recurrence. You can’t control everything, and you’re not just a statistic.
I’ve also learned how important support is. Family members may feel helpless, but simply being present and listening makes a huge difference. For younger women, awareness is critical. Breast cancer can happen at any age, and you should trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, push for answers.
Life can change suddenly, so if you want to do something, do it. There may come a time when you physically can’t. Appreciating the small moments, like holding your child, becomes everything.
