Elissa Kalver is Thriving and Not Just Surviving with Stage 4 HER2+ Breast Cancer
Elissa’s story begins in 2021, just a few months after the birth of her daughter. She began to experience strange symptoms like numb feet, severe fatigue, and discomfort while wearing shoes. She initially thought these symptoms were due to postpartum changes. However, she soon discovered something much more alarming — a lump in her breast that turned out to be stage 4 HER2+ breast cancer. (Editor’s note: HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or HER2, a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells.)
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Elissa’s diagnosis at 34 shocked her, especially since a recent routine exam didn’t turn up any red flags. More frighteningly, doctors found that her cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes, liver, and spine. In the face of this overwhelming news, Elissa bore down and focused on self-advocacy and mental health awareness, while prioritising her quality of life.
Navigating the medical system was confusing at the outset, but Elissa soon began to understand her stage 4 HER2+ breast cancer treatment options and to learn the importance of getting second opinions. She stresses that self-advocacy ensures exploring every possible option. This positive realization led her to switch oncologists and treatments when she found care that was better aligned with her needs.
Elissa’s treatment path hasn’t been linear. She underwent multiple chemotherapy sessions, immunotherapies, and radiation for brain metastases. She’s experienced setbacks such as allergic reactions to certain medications. But she’s faced each concern squarely. Her experience has taught her the power of speaking up, whether to bring up unbearable side effects or to critique treatment plans. Advocating for adjustments to improve her quality of life has boosted her overall well-being.
Mental health has been a big part of Elissa’s survivorship. Thinking too much about the indefinite nature of her treatments used to plunge her into depression. But she’s managed to counter that by focusing on living fully and not just surviving — and this has now become her mantra. She firmly believes that thriving with stage 4 HER2+ breast cancer is possible and that life isn’t just about enduring painful moments but truly enjoying time spent with loved ones.
But Elissa’s advocacy transcends her own experience. She founded “We Got This,” a nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients, which works to make it easier for patients to get the support that they need. Her dedication to redefining life with cancer is evident in her daily life. She’s raising her daughter and running a nonprofit while living authentically — and she’s proving that life doesn’t need to pause because of cancer.
Watch Elissa’s video for more on:
- How she redefined her life after her stage 4 HER2+ breast cancer diagnosis
- Why self-advocacy is the foundation of Elissa’s health experience
- From new mom to cancer advocate: her empowering story
- How Elissa transformed her stage 4 diagnosis into a mission for change
- Her advice on thriving with stage 4 HER2+ breast cancer
- Name:
- Elissa K.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 34
- Diagnosis:
- Breast Cancer
- Mutation:
- HER2+
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Swollen and numb feet
- Discomfort while wearing shoes
- Severe fatigue
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: lumpectomy, hysterectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Antibody-drug conjugates
- Targeted therapy: monoclonal antibody
- Radiation therapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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