Tierra’s Experience with Thyroid Cancer and Breast Cancer

Written by Tierra Powell

The recommended age to start getting mammograms is 40 years old and up, but for some of us that may be too late. Here is my story:

This was not my first rodeo with cancer. I was previously diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 23 years old. Since then I decided to live life to the fullest. Every year I checked something off the bucket list from travelling or some exciting adventure, taking my son along for the ride. I had a great career I was passionate about and a loving and supportive partner, family, and friends. Life was complete.

Then at 33 years old, I was diagnosed with both stage 4 breast cancer and systolic heart failure. De Novo-which means from the beginning. My life was turned upside down with no warning.

I initially went to my doctor because of a slight change in my nipple due to benign papillomas. Cancer was the last thing I expected to hear, but during the ultrasound they also found a breast tumor. Further scans revealed the cancer had also spread to my lymph nodes and liver. I was confused. My breast tumor was small…how was this even possible?? I valued taking care of my body. I did not sit on my symptoms. There was no delay in time or care. I have no family history or genetic risk. 

I learned I had an aggressive and fast-growing subtype. Life has been a whirlwind from then on. I went through nine months of active treatment, including chemotherapy, breast surgery, liver ablation, and then radiation, all the while dealing with heart complications. I wrapped up the nine months treating a blood clot in my heart. 

However, it wasn’t over there. Stage 4 meant I was supposed to indefinitely continue with infusions every three weeks. But the cardiotoxicity kept affecting my heart. We took multiple breaks, but it still resulted in a second blood clot in my heart, a string of hospitalizations, and blood transfusions. Finally, I had to make the hard decision to stop cancer treatment. It’s been a year now and my heart has still not recovered to its baseline.

It has been incredibly scary being off maintenance treatment. I feel very fortunate that as of now there is no evidence of active cancer, but it’s hard to really enjoy it as I still have many appointments and will never be considered ‘cancer free.’ 

The past two years has been a long and tough journey, one I couldn’t have endured without support from my family/friends. Therapy has also been essential. Now instead of adventures and achievements, I’m focused on my mental and physical health and just slowing down. Most of all, my faith has helped me keep it together. There were times l was knocked down with no strength to get back up. Yet here I am…somehow still standing.

breast cancer patient stories thyroid cancer

Last modified: November 21, 2024