Finding Joy During Treatment for Aggressive Breast Cancer
- New York artist Allie Olson, 40, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a rare form of the disease, during the pandemic after discovering a lump on her chest.
- Olson started “Radiation Runway” as a way to inspire others to stay positive during their cancer journeys.
- Since the artist’s cancer journey began, she has undergone 16 cycles of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and 30 sessions of radiation.
- Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the more aggressive forms of the disease, but there have been recent advances in treatment.
The Brooklyn-based artist hopes her hospital gown designs will inspire others to stay positive through their battles with cancer.
Read MoreUnderstanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Since Olsen began her treatment for breast cancer, she has undergone 16 cycles of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and 30 sessions of radiation. During treatment, she has styled her hospital gowns into different fashions, and documented the looks online for her “Radiation Runway.” Olson tells The Daily Mail, “Radiation Runway wouldn’t have been possible if the staff weren’t so encouraging. They loved it, and we had the best time making jokes and cracking up. They would video me during my runway walk and look forward to the new style each day. I never thought, ‘This is weird’; I thought, ‘This is fun.'”Olson continues, “I liked the challenge of using my creativity, but even more, I liked bringing a bit of joy and light into a difficult place and situation.”
In an earlier interview with SurvivorNet, Dr. Julie Nangia, a medical oncologist at Baylor College of Medicine, outlined what differentiates triple-negative breast cancer, like Olson’s, from other breast cancers. "There are different types of breast cancer," she explained. "And these are defined by biomarkers. So the three biomarkers are ER, which is the estrogen receptor, PR, progesterone receptor, and HER2, which is a protein.
Related: In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, New Drug Trodelvy Extends Life
"Some of these tumors don't have any of the three receptors and we refer to those tumors as triple-negative breast cancers," she added. "Today we classify triple-negative breast cancers as one of the most aggressive types of breast cancers."
The doctor explained that chemotherapy is typically needed for this cancer. "For someone who is newly diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, most of the time they will need chemotherapy," she said.
What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
Screening for Breast Cancer
The current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that women aged 45 to 54 with a regular risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually.
For women with an elevated risk of breast cancer (who have a family history of the disease or carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation), you should begin screening before age 45. Speak with family members about your family cancer history it could save your life. Performing self-exams in the shower or at home is another good way to stay on top of breast cancer screenings; these should be done in addition to not in place of mammograms. Women who are below the age to begin mammograms should still be performing self exams and seeing a doctor if anything feels out of the ordinary.
Related: Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams
Breast cancer is screened for via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and other signs of existing cancer, or cancer in its earliest stages. If a worrisome lump is detected, your radiologist or doctor will advise you on the next steps, which typically include a breast biopsy.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
