Sam McClymont's Breast Cancer Journey From Thailand to Remission
Singer-songwriter Sam McClymont, 39, says reflecting on a trip to Thailand triggers anxious thoughts because it was there she learned she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease.
Her treatment journey included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and ultimately, a double mastectomy. Each step marked a grueling battle in her fight for survival.
Despite intense fatigue and the emotional toll of stepping back from her career and parenting duties, McClymont announced earlier this year that she is in remission.
Triple-negative breast cancer lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors—meaning it doesn’t respond to many common targeted treatments and often requires more intensive care.
Chemotherapy remains a core approach for early-stage TNBC, typically involving tailored drug combinations to combat its aggressive nature.
In certain cases, immunotherapy—designed to help the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells—is added to boost treatment effectiveness for TNBC patients.
For singer-songwriter Samantha McClymont, the memory of a sunny getaway to Thailand is forever eclipsed by five haunting words: “You have breast cancer.” At 39, in the prime of her life and career, McClymont joined the ranks of survivors who can pinpoint the exact moment everything changed—when carefree days were replaced by uncertainty, and the future took on an entirely new meaning.
“This weekend let us transport you back to Thailand,” McClymont wrote in an Instagram caption.
“This was the last trip I did before that crappy little thing called cancer turned up. So, I always look back fondly at these pics as I was so blissfully unaware of what was ahead of me,” McClymont added.
McClymont is part of a country music group. Alongside her sisters Brooke and Mollie, they’ve produced songs like “Don’t Wish It All Away,” “Here’s to You and I,” and “Forever Begins Tonight.”
Triple-negative breast cancer means your cancer is not fueled by any of the three main types of receptors — estrogen, progesterone, or the HER2 protein. Because of this, the cancer won’t respond to certain targeted therapies, including hormone therapy or HER2-targeted agents like Herceptin. Chemotherapy is typically the treatment, and there are several options.
TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 24: The McClymonts, Mollie McClymont, Brooke McClymont, and Sam McClymont arrive at the 43rd Golden Guitar Country Music Awards of Australia on January 24, 2015, in Tamworth, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
To anyone who vividly remembers when and where they were when cancer stepped into their life, amid the anxieties, the SurvivorNet community wants you to also think about how far you’ve come since then. Remember, you are not the person who simply received that worrisome diagnosis; you are also the person who showed up despite the fear and became a fighter. That moment may have marked the start of your cancer journey, but it does not define your entire story.
WATCH: Why a Positive Attitude Matters.
Your mindset plays a powerful role in how you approach your cancer journey, and remaining as positive as you can does wonders, says colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Siani, Dr. Zuri Murrell.
“A positive attitude is really important,” Dr. Murrell previously told SurvivorNet.
“My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now, doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow,” Dr. Murrell says.
When McClymont was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at just 38, the news hit like a freight train. Suddenly, the momentum of a vibrant career and busy family life came to a halt, replaced by an all-consuming reality: survival.
BIRDSVILLE, QUEENSLAND – JULY 06: Samantha McClymont of the group The McClymonts performs at the Big Red Bash 2017 on July 6, 2017 in Birdsville, Australia. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
“Feeling like I can’t be the mother and wife I want to be has been the hardest,” she shared in a heartfelt Instagram post.
As a public figure with two children, McClymont quickly found that the disease demanded not just physical stamina but emotional surrender.
“There are days I can’t get out of bed. I can’t be ‘Sam McClymont’ as I have canceled all my work for the year, which also feels like losing a huge part of my identity,” she continued.
“Being diagnosed at 38 with triple-negative breast cancer has certainly been life-changing. Every day, I am learning to give up control of things I cannot change, and hand myself over to fighting this.”
Determined to fight, she endured a rigorous treatment plan—including a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts), lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding breast tissue), chemotherapy, and radiation—McClymont leaned on her family, especially during grueling chemo days, to keep life at home going for her children.
Yet, despite the toll on her body and spirit, a powerful turning point came earlier this year when she went to the doctor to check the progress of her cancer treatment.
“This year is all about rebuilding. My body has really taken a beating,” she said in a reflective Instagram video.
“I’m so excited to say I’m cancer-free.”
Though she continues chemotherapy in pill form, McClymont expects far fewer side effects and is embracing recovery with grace and gratitude.
Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 20% of all breast cancers and is considered one of the most aggressive subtypes. Unlike other types, it doesn’t respond to hormone therapy or drugs that target HER2 receptors, making its treatment more complex and intensive.
Treatment for early-stage TNBC typically involves a combination of chemotherapy drugs such as:
CMF: Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil
AC: Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and Cyclophosphamide
ACT: Adds a taxane drug
TC: Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide
In 2021, a major milestone emerged with the FDA approval of pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—an immunotherapy previously used for cancers like melanoma—for early-stage TNBC. According to Dr. Sylvia Adams of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy for stage 2–3 TNBC patients significantly improves outcomes.
“It changes the standard of care and should be discussed with all patients diagnosed with stage 2–3 TNBC,” Adams said.
“Yes, it’s a game-changer, though there is much more to be learned.”
How Immunotherapy Like Keytruda Works
Cancer cells often fly under the immune system’s radar by producing proteins that disguise them as “normal.” Checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda break that illusion, helping white blood cells recognize and attack those cancer cells.
WATCH: Immunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Rather than killing cancer directly, these treatments empower the immune system to do the job, with fewer side effects on healthy tissue.
Common side effects of Keytruda include:
Fatigue
Rash or itching
Shortness of breath or cough
Nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss
Diarrhea or constipation
Low thyroid levels
Abdominal pain
If oral chemotherapy like Xeloda (capecitabine) doesn’t work, IV chemo may be offered as an alternative—administered weekly or bi-weekly depending on the patient’s response.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Navigating a diagnosis like TNBC is overwhelming, but the right conversations can empower you. Consider asking your care team:
What treatment options will I be receiving?
What side effects should I expect, and how can I manage them?
Are there daily habits or wellness strategies to support recovery?
What physical activity can I safely do during treatment?
What do you recommend if I struggle with staying active?
ANSWER QUESTIONS
