Brandy’s Story

My name is Brandy. I’m 42 years old and a proud wife and mom of four children, ages 6, 10, 14 and 17. I had a screening mammogram on March 3, 2025, which came back abnormal and led to additional imaging. After a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound-guided biopsy, I was diagnosed on April 3, 2025, with HR-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in my right breast.

Although I’ve been a registered nurse for more than two decades, I quickly learned that having medical knowledge can make a personal cancer diagnosis absolutely terrifying. I was so scared and felt incredibly helpless in the beginning.

Over the next month, I underwent further testing and additional biopsies, which revealed more cancer in the right breast—widespread ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). I had already met with a surgeon, but after learning that additional and potentially more aggressive cancer sites were present, I made the decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy.

I’m currently awaiting the results of my Oncotype testing to determine my adjuvant treatment plan. This has been an overwhelming experience, filled with many tears, countless prayers and an incredible support system. I continue to learn from others who have walked this journey, and I’m deeply humbled by the care and compassion I’ve received from my medical team, family, friends and even strangers.

-Brandy