Neptune Beach #LightUpMBC Glow Walk

• Approximately 30% of early stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease
• Metastases can occur as early as several months to 25+ years after treatment
• 685,000 people a year die from metastatic breast cancer globally
• Only 22% of U.S. MBC patients live longer than 5 years, and only 11% of live longer than 10 years
• There is NO CURE for MBC

Beth’s Story:

I’ve included quotes to denote Beth’s own words from her February 2021 writing, “One Year Living with MBC”

“In March of 2016 (37 years old), I felt a lump under my right armpit (it turned out to be cancer in my lymph node). I was diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma. I had genetic testing and found out I was BRCA-2 positive. I started chemo; AC, then Taxol, had a double mastectomy and full hysterectomy in August, then radiation. I would take Tamoxifen for 10 years. I thought I had done everything possible in order for the cancer not to come back, and for some reason I was not worried. I had gone through a terrible 2016 and I was done. If it did come back, it would be when I was an old lady. At least that's what I thought... I had a great few years living without the worry of cancer. [...] Fast forward to February 2020. I had been nauseous and vomiting off and on for almost two months. I went to my primary care doctor and oncologist, but I downplay everything, so no scans were ordered. My primary care doctor thought it may be my gallbladder. I finally went to the ER and a CT was done. The doctor came in and said "you have tumors in 60% of your liver." [...] I saw my oncologist the next day and learned quickly. Here is what I heard: "Stage IV, no cure, treatment for the rest of your life, we'll order an MRI to be sure it's not in your brain." That basically sums it up anyway. All I could think was, I want to be around to see my kids grow up. So, at 41 years old I am diagnosed with terminal cancer. I have tumors in more than half of my liver and a few in my bones. Life is never what you expect it will be.”

Beth passed away August 30, 2021, at the age of 42. She is terribly missed and was an incredible mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend to literally everyone. She taught Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for 21 years. For the last decade, she taught at Duval Charter School at Baymeadows and Coastal, inspiring countless students, and fellow teachers.

Beth found a great deal of comfort and encouragement from METAvivor, its resources, and the online support groups of individuals going through this disease. Her family is hosting this #LightUpMBC Glow Walk to increase awareness for metastatic breast cancer and to help raise money to advance research, fund effective treatment plans, and help find a cure for others currently living with this disease as soon as possible. Join us on October 14th in memory of Beth, and to support the life-saving mission of METAvivor.

Carolyn's Story:

In 2015, at age 53, I found a breast lump during a self-exam. After testing my oncologist told me that I was fortunate that it was a common type of breast cancer known as invasive ductal carcinoma.

I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and followed up with hormone therapy to block the estrogen that fed my tumor. I was stage two at the time, with a low recurrence score. I didn’t tolerate the medications that suppress estrogen well, so I did not complete the full five years of therapy. I was told at the end of that period that because I was a healthy weight and exercise regularly, my chance of recurrence remained small.

In 2022 I began experiencing back pain that was not relieved by massage or Ibuprofen. Since I am a caregiver for my disabled adult son, for several months I attributed it to lifting and tried various treatments and stretching exercises. By the time I had an x-ray done, my original cancer had metastasized into my vertebrae and fractured it completely. The CT scan said it had a moth-eaten appearance. I underwent a nine-hour neurosurgery, followed by radiation. I now take a drug to suppress estrogen, a targeted therapy medication and infusions to prevent fractures. I still struggle to tolerate medication side effects, but I am committed to finding ways to manage them so that I can lengthen my life.

I am a nurse, yet I did not realize that 30% of women with early-stage breast cancer go on to develop metastatic disease. I focused solely on the outlook regarding my particular tumor and its characteristics. I now believe strongly that we need to educate women in greater depth about their vulnerability to recurrence and advocate for more research to develop treatments that will make metastatic breast cancer a chronic, treatable disease.

I am grateful to Metavivor for the work they are doing to help women understand this complicated disease. It is reassuring to know that there is an organization that uses 100% of its funding to research metastatic breast cancer.

#LightUpMBC is an annual global landmark campaign that shines a light on the importance of awareness and funding for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Every state in the U.S. and countries around the world illuminate landmarks in the symbolic MBC awareness colors of teal, green and pink on October 13th for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

A virtual broadcast, #LightUpMBC Live, will take place on October 13, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET/ 5:30 PM PT and will feature inspiring stories told by MBC patients at illuminated landmarks and include celebrity guests sharing words of inspiration. The show will be live streamed on all METAvivor channels including Facebook Live and YouTube @METAvivor and at www.METAvivor.org/LightUpMBC

Please email Alane at lightupmbcjax@gmail.com prior to registering.