Abigail DeGuzman-Miller, now 50, is a dedicated mother of four and a breast cancer survivor whose journey highlights the significance of self-advocacy and vigilance in healthcare. Diagnosed with Stage IIIa Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in 2018, Abigail’s story began with a routine mammogram that uncovered an area of concern in her right breast. Her experience serves as a reminder that, while screenings are critical, knowing your body and trusting your instincts are equally essential in ensuring early detection and effective treatment.
Abigail was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer. IDC originates in the milk ducts and then invades surrounding breast tissue, making it invasive and capable of spreading to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. IDC accounts for about 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses, but within IDC cases, characteristics vary depending on hormone receptors and other molecular factors, influencing treatment options and prognosis.
Abigail’s cancer was classified as ER+ PR+ HER2- and Stage IIIa:
Hormone Receptor Positive (ER+ and PR+):
- ER+ (Estrogen Receptor Positive) and PR+ (Progesterone Receptor Positive) breast cancers are driven by hormones estrogen and progesterone. In these cases, cancer cells contain receptors that bind to estrogen or progesterone, which can stimulate tumor growth.
- Hormone receptor-positive cancers often respond well to hormone therapies, such as Tamoxifen, which Abigail currently takes. These medications block the cancer cells’ ability to use hormones, slowing or halting the cancer’s growth.
- Roughly 70-80% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, and they are usually slower-growing and more likely to respond to hormone-blocking treatments.
HER2 Negative (HER2-):
- Abigail’s HER2-negative status means her cancer cells do not produce an excess amount of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. HER2-positive cancers tend to grow more rapidly and may respond to targeted therapies specifically designed to inhibit HER2 proteins.
- Since Abigail’s cancer is HER2-negative, HER2-targeted treatments, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), are not effective options for her case. However, being HER2-negative also means her cancer may have a slower progression compared to HER2-positive types.
Stage IIIa Cancer:
- Abigail’s IDC was staged at IIIa, indicating that the cancer had spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes but had not yet metastasized to distant organs.
- Stage IIIa IDC requires aggressive treatment due to its more advanced nature. Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence and achieving remission.
- For Abigail, this included a mastectomy, the removal of 19 lymph nodes (two of which tested positive for cancer), and post-surgical treatments to prevent the cancer from returning or spreading.
Abigail’s journey to her diagnosis began with a routine mammogram, followed by an ultrasound that didn’t initially confirm cancer due to her dense breast tissue. However, Abigail knew something wasn’t right; she felt a persistent bump and discomfort in her right breast. Trusting her instincts, she pushed for additional testing, which ultimately led to a biopsy and her diagnosis.
Her experience emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, especially for women with dense breast tissue, which can sometimes obscure abnormalities on standard mammograms. Today, Abigail encourages others to speak up, seek additional opinions if needed, and ensure they fully understand their health conditions.
Abigail’s experience has taught her the value of asking questions, staying engaged in her own healthcare, and advocating for thorough examinations when something feels wrong. Reflecting on her journey, Abigail emphasizes the importance of paying attention to subtle changes in the body and being proactive rather than complacent. She hopes her story will inspire others to become active participants in their health care, trust their intuition, and seek answers when they feel something is amiss.
Abigail’s journey underscores the power of being well-informed, trusting your instincts, and ensuring you receive the care you need. For her, early detection and self-advocacy have been essential components in her journey toward recovery.
