Beyond Queen’s Diagnosis: Living Fully with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Queen’s story is a powerful, deeply human reminder of the resilience it takes to live with metastatic breast cancer. Diagnosed initially with breast cancer at just 31, Queen spent over a decade navigating surgeries, systemic failures, and personal growth, eventually being told that her cancer had metastasized.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Queen’s health challenges began early, following a teenage pregnancy that left her mind & body stressed and scarred. As a young woman, she developed painful breast fibrosis. At 18, she made the decision to have the fibrous tissue removed and underwent breast augmentation surgery. More than a decade later, the pain returned—worse than before. A second surgery followed.
Then, in 2011, in a moment that could have passed unnoticed, Queen’s blouse slipped slightly off her shoulder. As she adjusted it, she noticed something: a small lump or ball under her skin. That moment changed everything.
At first, doctors dismissed her concerns, saying it was likely just more fibroids—and that at 31, she was too young for breast cancer. But Queen knew her body. She had lived with fibrosis for years and could feel this was different. She also had a strong family history—her mother and aunt had both been diagnosed with breast cancer—and she made sure to share that.
Still, it took multiple cosmetic procedures—including one from a surgeon she says “butchered” her breast—before she would have an answer. In 2012, a cosmetic procedure that removed lump was tested and confirmed to be cancer. It was aggressive and already at stage 2.
What followed was a series of intense treatments: mastectomies, reconstruction, multiple revisions, and a latissimus dorsi flap surgery. Queen later realized that poor surgical choices likely contributed to her cancer spreading. Despite the trauma and complications, she stayed focused on her work and healing. Still, during the pandemic, she skipped appointments out of fear, and by 2021, scans revealed metastatic spread.
One of the most striking parts of Queen’s metastatic breast cancer story is how fiercely she’s had to advocate for herself. Whether demanding radiation, pushing for menopause, or saying “no” to more chemotherapy and immunotherapy, she refuses to be a passive patient. She’s living with metastatic breast cancer, but more importantly, she’s choosing how she wants to live. She’s found strength in her faith, built healthier mental habits, and stopped letting fear dictate her decisions.
Mental health, self-respect, and spiritual grounding are at the heart of Queen’s survivorship. She’s upfront about the hard parts of metastatic breast cancer, including scanxiety, emotional scars, and feeling dismissed by the medical system. But her core message shines through: true healing goes beyond medicine. It’s about setting boundaries, staying mentally strong, trusting your inner voice, and holding onto something greater than yourself. Queen isn’t just getting by; she’s embracing life, leading with intention, and showing others it’s possible to live fully with metastatic breast cancer.
Watch Queen’s story to find out:
- How a “butchered” surgery changed everything and what unknowingly protected her.
- Why cancer isn’t a death sentence, even with a metastatic diagnosis.
- About scanxiety, medical gaslighting, and the emotional toll of living with uncertainty.
- Her bold decision to stop treatment and what she’s doing instead.
- How faith, discipline, and self-love help her thrive with metastatic breast cancer.
- Name: Queen D.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 31
- Diagnosis:
- Breast Cancer
- • Staging:
- Stage 2 (initial diagnosis)
- Stage 4
- Symptom:
- Visible painful lump on the breast
- Treatments:
- Surgeries (16 procedures)
- Radiation therapy (15 rounds)
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Anti-hormonal therapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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