In Part 2 of our Season 2 premiere we hear from Chelsea, who was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer at age 37. She talks about why the one treatment she didn’t want – five months of chemotherapy before undergoing her mastectomy – became her only option. Chelsea also reflects on how daily life as a mom of three became much more difficult. She reached her lowest point but pulled through with support from family and friends. Washington University breast surgeon Katherine Glover-Collins, MD, PhD, and Washington University plastic surgeon Terence Myckatyn, MD, join to explain why Chelsea’s treatment plan required aggressive chemotherapy, and the strategy behind her reconstructive surgery.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/8-ways/8-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/breast-cancer/patient-stories/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-psychology-service/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/patient-and-family-services/virtual-support-services/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/siteman-approach/chemotherapy/scalp-cooling/