Maria’s Self-Advocacy and a 2nd Opinion Found Her Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Maria’s experience being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer began when her young nephew accidentally kicked her breast while they were playing. She checked her breast afterwards and found a marble-sized lump. She first dismissed it as a cyst, partly because she has a history of ovarian cyst issues, and the doctors she’d seen before had told her that hormone fluctuations could cause benign growths. 

Part 1: Diagnosis

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Over the next few months, Maria started to experience more serious symptoms, including burning sensations, skin changes, the inversion of her nipple, and night sweats. After several ER visits and numerous tests, including ultrasounds, she was given a diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis, which was later found to be inaccurate. (Editor’s Note: Granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign breast cancer condition that can cause symptoms like pain, tender lumps, and nipple inversion.)

Finally, Maria had an accidental encounter with a breast cancer survivor, who suggested the Every Woman Counts program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services in California. Maria’s persistent self-advocacy paid off when she was correctly diagnosed with stage 3 ductal carcinoma, which later progressed to stage 4 breast cancer when it metastasized to her bones and lungs.

While Maria found her first chemotherapy sessions manageable, she experienced intense side effects during the next sessions: hair loss, severe nausea, neuropathy, skin changes, and emotional distress. Maria faced these challenges head-on, focusing on practices like meditation to help promote positivity and mindfulness.

Although Maria’s family has been there to support her, she has still felt lonely facing breast cancer without a partner or children of her own. A part of that is struggling with the harsh realities of the effect of illness on daily life and finances — dealing with evictions, having to live with family members, and missing her sense of self. She was also affected by the physical changes she experienced, including those due to surgical scars.

Maria wants to emphasize that stage 4 breast cancer patients and others in situations like hers should never lose hope. There are many helpful things that they can do for themselves, like self-advocating fiercely, trusting their instincts, and surrounding themselves with supportive people. She adds that cancer doesn’t determine whether one deserves love, rest, or joy.

Have a look at part 1 of Maria’s video and:

• Discover how a playful moment led to her life-changing stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis
• Learn why Maria’s persistence saved her life 
• Feel the emotional impact of metastatic cancer
• Explore the struggles of living with stage 4 breast cancer and its treatments
• See how Maria’s strength and positivity shine, even in her most painful moments

Stay tuned for Part 2 where Maria tells her treatment story including chemo, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapy.

• Name:
  • Maria S.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 30
• Diagnosis:
  • Breast Cancer
• Staging:
  • Stage 4
• Symptoms:
  • Intermittent but severe pain, including a burning sensation on the side of the breast
  • Appearance of a cyst and a lump
  • Abnormally warm and pink-colored breast
  • Nipple inversion
  • Strangely liquid menstrual periods
  • Unusual underarm odor
  • Darkening and dimpling of the nipple
  • Severe fatigue
  • Night sweats
• Treatments:
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgeries: mastectomy, lymphadenectomy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted 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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