'I'm fortunate I survived a stage 4 diagnosis when so many didn't make it'
Summary
Lynette McHendry was diagnosed with aggressive stage four breast cancer 10 years ago and has survived against the odds. Her experience highlights improvements in cancer treatments and ongoing efforts in Northern Ireland to better support women with this disease.Key Facts
- Lynette was diagnosed at age 37 with inflammatory breast cancer and triple negative breast cancer in different breasts.
- She underwent a double mastectomy in 2016 and had cancer found in 15 lymph nodes.
- Her type of cancer was aggressive and had limited treatment options at the time of diagnosis.
- Lynette and others formed a group called Beaconbridge that pushed for an audit of stage four breast cancer cases in Northern Ireland.
- This audit was the first of its kind and is helping improve treatment policy and services.
- Advancements like PARP inhibitor drugs have improved the outlook for women with similar cancers.
- Inflammatory breast cancer is rare, about 5% of cases, and causes swelling and redness without a lump.
- Lynette remains in remission 8 years after treatment and advocates for more personalized cancer therapies.
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