In 2014, I was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer—invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Within less than a year, I underwent four months of chemotherapy, received four blood transfusions, had surgery to remove a breast tumor and 19 lymph nodes, and completed 33 rounds of radiation.
Though the cancer began in my breast, it didn’t stay there. It invaded my chest wall and spread to my lymph nodes and liver. My liver was extensively covered with tumors, making surgical removal impossible. After finishing chemotherapy, my spine doctor discovered a dead tumor in my spine.
Here are the key numbers that describe the severity and aggressiveness of my cancer:
- SUV (Standardized Uptake Value): Measures how much glucose-like tracer a tumor absorbs during a PET scan, indicating its level of metabolic activity. Mine was 16.2.
- Ki-67 (Growth Rate): Indicates how quickly the cancer cells are growing. Mine was 60%, which is considered high.
- Grade: A score from 1 to 3 based on nuclear grade, tubule formation, and mitotic activity. Mine was Grade 3—the highest and most aggressive grade.
- Nuclear Grade: Describes how abnormal the cancer cell nuclei appear. Mine was 3, the highest score.
- Tubule Formation: Measures how much of the tumor forms normal tubular structures. Mine scored 3, indicating the lowest level of tubule formation.
- Mitotic Index: Indicates how quickly the cancer cells are dividing. Mine was 3, indicating the fastest rate.
Everyone’s cancer journey is unique. Some have an easier journey, while others face greater challenges. We don’t compare pain or struggle because cancer is often one of the hardest battles anyone can face. Through it all, I have found unwavering hope and strength in God and His Word.