For women with early-stage breast cancer, finishing surgery, chemotherapy or radiation doesn’t always mean the treatment is over.
These real patient stories shine a light on what can come next, including years of hormone (endocrine) therapy, recurrence anxiety and the everyday realities of the survivorship phase of breast cancer.
It’s time these experiences are seen, heard, and shared so you can feel more informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
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Compensated for her time and participation
Megan-Claire, 50
My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer while pregnant with me. Because a family history of ovarian cancer can indicate an increased hereditary risk for breast cancer, I received insurance approval for an early mammogram at age 35. I was told the results were clear and to return at 40, but I had dense breasts, which can make cancer more difficult to detect on a standard mammogram. I was ultimately diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer two months after my 39th birthday. Today, I am 10 years into survivorship.
Once the initial, aggressive phase of treatment ended, I discovered that survivorship brought its own set of fears, challenges, and unexpected realities. When it was time to transition to long-term treatment - after chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery - I knew I needed a different approach. I advocated for myself and found an oncologist who was willing to explore all my options with me, tailor my care, and help guide me through this next phase.
I learned how important it is to be open and honest with your care team about side effects, tolerability, and how treatment is affecting your day-to-day life. People may assume that once initial treatment ends, you are out of the woods, but survivorship is not a finish line. It is an entirely new chapter that deserves just as much care, understanding, and support. That realization was a major wake-up call for me and continues to fuel my commitment to ensuring that diverse experiences and voices are represented in the survivorship space.
It’s so important to be transparent with your care team about issues such as side effects and tolerability.”
Compensated for her time and participation
Alice, 36
I didn’t know much about breast cancer when I was diagnosed in 2025. I embarked on an aggressive treatment plan where I was learning what I needed to know in real time. Taking in all the new information was like drinking from a fire hose. Afterwards, once my initial intensive treatment phase was complete, I also didn’t know what to expect next.
The survivorship phase has, in many ways, felt harder. Starting endocrine therapy felt similar to the early days of diagnosis, and it’s also one of the loneliest points in the journey. I’m doing everything I can to manage my breast cancer, and I’m so grateful for my care team. However, I recognize the significant need women have during this part of their journey.
I want to share hope with others during this phase. I want to help shape the conversation. The end of initial treatment is not the finish line. We need to speak up, raise our voices, and be there for other women in this community.
We need to speak up, raise our voices, and be there for other women in this community.
Compensated for her time and participation
Dani, 39
I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 9 years ago after discovering a lump during a self-exam. Breast cancer didn’t run in my family, so I didn’t feel I had a reason to be alarmed, and, having just turned 30, the doctor initially told me I was too young to be worried.
I did, however, have reason to be worried, and after advocating for a mammogram, I was sent for a biopsy that led to my breast cancer diagnosis.
Following initial intensive treatment, it feels like everyone expects you to be grateful; you expect to be able to celebrate. But as you phase into survivorship, you learn your experience may be far from over. So many mixed feelings and emotions come with this next phase.
Through my own journey, I saw the value of sharing my story. I started talking about it on social media; first about my diagnosis and then shifting the conversation to the survivorship stage.
I am now on a mission to help others articulate their experiences and hope that by sharing the emotional, invisible realities of survivorship that have impacted my experience I can encourage others to open up, ask questions, and bring the unseen parts of survivorship to the forefront.
...as you phase into survivorship, you learn your experience may be far from over.”
Say the quiet part out loud
To help you speak up, advocate for yourself, and know what to ask your care team, check out this discussion guide to help you navigate your next appointment.
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