8 years ago, Megan received the daunting diagnosis of stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer, sparking an inspirational journey that underscores the need for ongoing research and drug development. Her positive outcome serves as a beacon of hope for Canadians with IBC:
“On January 20, 2016 I walked into the Centre du Cancer Des Cèdres at The Glen Muhc for the first time.
I met my oncologist, Dr.A to discuss my diagnosis, my treatment plan and my PET scan results.
I discovered that my inoperable stage 3 grade 3 breast cancer could actually be de novo stage 4, it was confirmed a week later that it was indeed metastatic. Not only did I have cancer in my left breast, my lymph nodes in my armpit and under my collarbone but also in my liver.
I ended up having HER2+ hormone negative invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The treatment plan changed, I would receive chemotherapy, taxol for 12 weeks and immunotherapy, herceptin and pertuzumab every 3 weeks for life.
I was 45 years old with de novo stage 4 breast cancer.
That was 8 years ago.
This past week I finally got to watch the movie called Living Proof (2008) it’s the story of Dr. Dennis Slamon and his dedication to developing Herceptin, the drug that saved my life. It gives incredible insight into drug trials and what researchers have to go through to get a drug to the patients. It also gives a glimpse of how many lives this one drug has saved.
I had a complete pathological response to treatment. This means I have no evidence of disease, I was able to stop my monthly immunotherapy in 2020 and have maintained no evidence of disease since.
Tomorrow I have the joy and privilege of turning 53!”
Megan, your story resonates deeply, and we thank you for sharing it with us!