Strength beyond treatment: Living with metastatic breast cancer

More than three years after a stage IV metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, Amy’s scans are clear – a fact she attributes to her faith, family, expert care and an extraordinary network of support.

In September 2021, Amy couldn’t escape the feeling she needed to schedule a mammogram. There were no obvious reasons to worry, but her scans and biopsy confirmed breast cancer.

By December, Amy had made the decision to have a double mastectomy.  After surgery, she began exploring what should come next in her treatment, a search that led her to Kathleen Harnden, MD, D’Aniello Director of Breast Cancer Research and Medical Director of Breast Medical Oncology at Inova Schar Cancer. 

“When I met Dr. Harnden, right out of the gate, she made me feel so understood, heard and cared for,” Amy said. “She was confident, she had a plan of action and we went from there.”

A recurrence that changed everything

Amy learned in 2023 that her cancer had returned and spread to her liver. It was stage IV metastatic breast cancer. The next day, her husband learned he was losing his job and the health insurance their family relied on.

Overwhelmed and frightened about what the future held, Amy and her family turned to their faith. She recalled gathering in their living room, giving their fears to God and praying for guidance – and for wisdom and discernment for Dr. Harnden.

“Amy’s recurrence occurred despite her adherence to best treatment,” explained Dr. Harnden. “Looking forward, we considered many treatment options and ultimately decided on using SERD and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor, a combination of targeted hormone therapy medicines with the best likelihood of response and best potential for low side effects.”

Treatment was difficult at first, but Amy’s body adjusted. Within a year, her scans showed no evidence of disease and have remained clear for more than two years. Today, she continues treatment with daily Verzenio® and monthly injections.

Dr. Harnden confirmed, “Amy has responded incredibly well to treatment. Ongoing, we continue to monitor her with blood work and body scans.”

Through every change, Dr. Harnden remained constant.

“She makes me feel like a human being, not just a patient,” Amy said. “She cares about my quality of life. And if things change, I know she’s ready to pivot with me.”

Support for living with cancer

Medical treatment was only part of what Amy needed. As she navigated treatment, team members from Inova Peterson Life with Cancer shared the free education, support, counseling and wellness services available to help anyone affected by cancer.

“Cancer affects so much more than a person’s physical health. It can change how you feel about yourself, your relationships, your family and your future,” said Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Executive Director, Inova Peterson Life with Cancer. “Our job is to be there for all of it, to help people keep living their lives, even as they’re navigating cancer. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can provide that support at no cost, so patients and families never have to face it alone.”

For Amy, that support has included exercise classes and therapy.  She continues to see a therapist and looks forward to every session.

“Peterson Life with Cancer gave me the tools I needed to go and face the next day, the next week, the next month, the next year.”

Her tools include her faith, family and friends, exercise, and a care team she trusts. They’ve helped Amy manage anxiety, prepare for scans and make room for both grief and joy.

“Amy has done an incredible job of managing metastatic breast cancer as well as all the curve balls life can throw at you,” Dr. Harnden said. “She has remained engaged and dedicated to living her best life! It has been a true honor to care for her.” 

For Amy, living with metastatic breast cancer has changed her life – but it hasn’t stopped it.

“It’s not a death sentence. It’s a life-changing one,” she said. “You become more intentional about your time and who you spend it with. You see the joy in life differently because you don’t take it for granted.”

 Find expert breast cancer care — and support for living with cancer.