Guest Blog by Julie Rock
So many of us regard a breast cancer diagnosis as a one-and-done thing. For many of us, especially those of us who experience a metastatic breast cancer recurrence, it is hardly that. We are in a daily fight for survival, battling cancer, physical side effects and financial toxicity. It is a roller coaster ride like no other.
Here is an account of my experience from diagnosis to today.
March 2020 – Initial Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Many of us will never forget 2020. It was the year the pandemic hit, and we will share stories of that time with our families for generations to come. I will always remember March 2020. It wasn’t because my photography business and commercial studio had to temporarily shut down. It was because I heard the words I never imagined I’d hear: I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news was broken to me over the phone because of COVID. I wasn’t able to see my doctor in person.
I can’t begin to describe the range of emotions I felt. I was devastated. My thoughts immediately went to my five children, who at that time, were 5, 8, 10, 18 and 22.
A month earlier, in February, I had attended a funeral for a friend who had passed away from breast cancer. That same night, I had an itch. When I went to scratch the spot I discovered a pea-sized lump in my breast.
Thankfully, I was able to get in to see my family doctor the next day. She examined me but expressed that it wasn’t presenting as a “typical” concerning lump. She also found a second lump beside my “pea”; together they measured 1.5cm. She also said that I was too young. “It could be just a cyst,” she said. I retorted that I didn’t want to hear that I was too young. I had just been to a funeral. My friend was only 33 and had died from breast cancer.
Fortunately, she heeded my concerns. I spent the next couple of weeks going for different imaging procedures, including a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I had to attend many of these appointments alone due to the pandemic.
I was told that my mammogram was “clear” which led me to believe I was OK. At that time, I had never heard of the term dense breasts (which apparently, I had). The ultrasound, however, revealed something suspicious, warranting a biopsy.
I did my best trying to keep as busy as I could while I went through this waiting period. Staying positive — in hindsight, it was probably denial – I kept saying to myself, “I’m ok- this is nothing.” But I had a bad feeling.
The biopsy results took a while to be returned to the doctor. We all know the term “no news is good news? I held on to that. However, it turned out the delay was a result of my doctor being away as well as delays due to COVID. Then the phone call came, and I knew it was breast cancer.
The first few weeks after my diagnosis were a whirlwind of tests. I experienced a range of emotions and fears leading up to my surgery- which took place just 10 days after receiving my diagnosis. I barely had time to process the news before being rolled into the Operating Room. Because of COVID, they wanted to deal with my case as fast as possible.
I was originally told that my breast cancer was early Stage II. Because the two lumps were side by side, I was given the option of a lumpectomy and radiation OR a mastectomy. I was quite small-breasted and decided to be more aggressive, choosing a mastectomy. If I had been given the option, I would have opted for a double mastectomy, but that option wasn’t presented to me.
Thank goodness I chose the more aggressive surgery. After the pathology report came in, it was found that I had multifocal Her2+ breast cancer. There were ten other tiny tumours, in addition to the two lumps we had found, that did not show up on imaging.
Chemotherapy began in June and continued through to October 2020, followed by three weeks of radiation. I then continued with immunotherapy until August 2021.
Throughout those 15 months of treatment, I had one hospital stay (due to overhydration!). I also ended up with heart complications — something called low ejection fraction as well as pericarditis. So another specialist, an oncology cardiologist, was added to my medical team.
August 2021 – Remission from Breast Cancer
In August 2021, after my last surgery – this time to remove my other breast, my oncologist told me I was in remission. We celebrated with a COVID-safe party with friends and family. I had made it through the toughest year and a half of my life! I HAD DONE IT! WE HAD DONE IT!
I spent the next year strengthening & healing both my body and mind. I went back to work full time and I was learning to adapt to life after cancer treatment.
Things were great.I was doing well. I was SO grateful to be healthy again!
August 2022 – Breast Cancer Recurrence to the Brain
Then in August 2022, just as we were days away from leaving for our long-overdue and highly anticipated family trip to Prince Edward Island, I ended up in the emergency room.
I had been experiencing some unusual symptoms. I initially had thought was due to heat stroke but as they continued, my medical team recommended I go to the ER.
There, I received devastating news. My breast cancer had reoccurred, and this time it was in my brain. I was now Stage IV.
I have always been positive, so once again we focused on the positives. My neurosurgeon said that my lesion was in the best possible place that it could be — no, it was operable, and so a week later I was in for brain surgery, which was successful.
Five targeted brain radiation treatments followed the surgery. I was down and out for the next several months.
The entire experience led me to pursue a dream I had had since I was a teenager. If cancer and COVID taught me anything, it is that life IS short, so do the things that scare you and follow those dreams.
I signed with a model and talent agency in 2022 and have since filmed two commercials — the first one was extra special because it was with my youngest daughter! In both productions, I portrayed a cancer patient. You can’t let all the bad things that happen to you define who you are!
March 2023 – A Second Recurrence of Breast Cancer to the Brain
In March 2023, my routine brain scan showed that I had a recurrence in the same area. So yet again we focused on the positive — that the cancer found was NOT new but was “missed.” So I had five more targeted brain radiation treatments. At least this time I had an idea of what to expect, which always helps, especially mentally.
I had another bucket list trip planned – my childhood best friend had arranged to fly me out to spend time with her in Alberta. We were going to tackle some of my to-do list spots, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
This was also my first time on a plane as an adult, and I was NOT going to miss it! Thankfully, I was cleared to fly and my team made sure I was prepared with any meds I may need “just in case”. It was a memorable and healing trip. Truly what I needed!
June 2023 – Breast Cancer Recurrence to the Liver
In June 2023, when I returned home from my trip, it was once again time for routine scans.
This time it revealed something concerning in my liver. My team informed me that I would have to restart chemo with an indefinite regimen and infusions every three weeks. That same week, I made the difficult decision to close my photography studio. It was the right decision, but still hard to do. As icing on the cake, our landlords, who we have been renting from for ten years, informed us they would be selling the property, forcing us to find another rental. Without permanent employment and with rising rent costs, we knew we were in a difficult position.
October 2023 – A Seizure and the Risk of Homelessness
The stress took its toll. In October, I had a seizure and was taken to the hospital. Fortunately, the scans showed no progression of my cancer. I was put on anti-seizure medication, and chemo resumed after my small hospital “vacation.”
In November, our prayers for help were answered. A guardian angel reached out with a very generous offer to help financially with the cost of rent. Another guardian angel reached out with an available rental property. By December, we learned my chemo regime is working. My liver lesions were reduced by one-half, and my brain and the rest of my body were stable.
May 2024 – Brain Necrosis and a Pulmonary Embolism
Fast forward to May, I’m feeling GREAT – have even gone back to strength training and exercising regularly, finally feeling more like myself.
Working out and being active have always been my outlet for my mental health and I know how important it is to stay on top of my mental health and do what I need to do for ME. I wholeheartedly believe that I experienced minimal side effects from the chemo because of living a healthier lifestyle.
My routine brain scan shows a “change” in the necrosis, which are dead brain cells from brain radiation that haven’t yet fully cleared. My team is concerned that there is a progression of the cancer. Since I have now had brain radiation twice in the same area, I can’t have any more.
After a conversation with the neurosurgeon, surgery is booked for the end of May. I do all that I can to prepare for this second brain surgery, seeing friends & family, practicing a LOT of self-care, including meditation, journaling and Reiki. I want to go into this next round physically, mentally and spiritually strong.
At least this time, I know what to expect, and it isn’t during the early days of COVID. I can have my sister stay with me while I am in the hospital. After surgery, I also received good news that the prognosis they feared is not the case. The surgeon only found necrosis.
I return home, feeling well. However, shortly, things began to turn. I began to cough. I knew something was wrong. Back to the hospital I go, and after several tests, I am told that I have a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot) in my left lung. It is determined that cerebral spinal fluid was leaking from my surgical site. I am admitted and told there may be a chance I have to go back into the OR.
After nine days in the hospital with a few other minor complications, I was able to recover without further surgery. I was discharged just in time to attend my middle son’s Grade 8 graduation and my youngest daughter’s first theatre performance!
April 2025 – Stable and Living Life to Its Fullest
At this time, my scans are showing that I am stable. No further progress of the cancer in my body. I continue on Enhertu. It is a tough form of chemo/immunotherapy but it is working, and that’s all that matters.
To this date, my brain has now been stable for almost two years and my body has been stable for just over a year.
My message to all of you. This isn’t easy. Breast cancer is not the “good cancer.” And, perhaps most important of all, ✨Mindset IS everything ✨
When you go through this kind of diagnosis, you see the people who truly have your back. They are those individuals who support you and love you during the best times AND the lowest times. They are your people, your tribe. Hold onto them.
When one faces a breast cancer diagnosis and recurrence, it can be so challenging not to worry about what others may think of you, not to care about how you are perceived. You may even second-guess what you do, what you say or how you act. I say forget them, who cares? Always stay true to YOU ❤ You do what is right for YOU because after all….you only live once.
Here’s Ellyn’s video intro to Julie!
About the Author
Julie Rock is a 47-year-old Mom to five and a fur Mom to three kitties. She is thriving with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer and resides West of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Julie loves to spend time outdoors, reading or being creative, living the good days to the fullest and making memories with her children. You can see more of Julie’s story by following her on Instagram @thejulierock
