Q&A: Living – and thriving – with metastatic breast cancer
Amanda Theisen was diagnosed at age 39 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, which meant the cancer had spread beyond her breast by the time it was discovered.
While metastatic breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis, Theisen has continually found ways to not just live through treatment, but to thrive while living with the disease. Since receiving her diagnosis in 2021, she’s continued to make new memories with her husband and two children and has found a thriving community of other young women living with breast cancer.
A year and a half after her diagnosis, Theisen’s cancer is in remission, and she has become an advocate for Stage IV breast cancer research. “Amanda is doing great,” said Kiran Lassi, MD, Theisen’s oncologist at M Health Fairview Cancer Center – Edina. “With all of the great medications we have and the new drugs coming out, she has a long way to go.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sat down with Theisen to learn more about her experience, her advice for others, and her hope for the future of breast cancer treatment.
What was your experience being diagnosed with breast cancer?
It was surreal. When I found my lump, I initially thought it could be benign, similar to when I found a fibroadenoma in my early 20s. Fortunately, my doctor took my concerns seriously and got me in right away for a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. It wasn’t until I was lying on the table for the biopsy and the doctor told me that he was incredibly worried that I realized it was likely cancer. I was more stunned to learn my cancer had already spread to my bones. I knew very little about metastatic breast cancer at the time – and about how little funding goes into metastatic breast cancer research.
What has surprised you about living with breast cancer?
I’m surprised by how many women I’ve met who are my age or younger and have been diagnosed with breast cancer, especially Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. I’ve also met loved ones of people who’ve passed away from metastatic breast cancer, some of whom were younger than me. In many ways, I’ve learned that young breast cancer patients often feel out of place in support groups because other patients are older or not in the same place in their lives. Because of this, a lot of younger people have turned to social media to connect. I’ve also met some great fellow metastatic breast cancer thrivers through various fundraisers like the Minneapolis Metsquerade, which raises money for the nonprofit METAVivor and Stage IV metastatic breast cancer research. I’ve also made great connections through Firefly Sisterhood and the American Cancer Society.
How has your care team at M Health Fairview helped you during your diagnosis?
I couldn’t have asked for a better care team than the one I have at M Health Fairview. My oncologist, Dr. Lassi, is so caring and encouraging. She has continuously told me that we are a team, we are in this together, and we will do everything possible to fight this disease. She has also encouraged me to connect with her whenever I have questions or concerns. In addition, I enjoy interacting with the nurses and staff at the cancer center. It’s actually fun to see them each month when I go in for my labs or infusions. They take a lot of stress and worry out of these appointments. I am so thankful for their compassion, professionalism, and humor. It makes being a cancer patient just a little easier.
What would you want others to know about your experience living with breast cancer?
There can always be more resources devoted to helping younger breast cancer patients and their family members cope with the various stages of a diagnosis. I’d also like to change some of the language we use around breast cancer, for example “incurable,” which can make people feel like they have no options. I leaned on the support I received from my workplace and other social networks that I had formed over the years.
I also found new communities to lean on when it came to discussing questions, concerns, and fears related to my cancer treatment – whether that was my care team at M Health Fairview Cancer Center – Edina or the new support systems I formed through meeting other people living with breast cancer. I'd encourage people to step up and assist in any way when it comes to supporting young breast cancer patients. Their support can make a world of difference in that person’s journey.
