08/17/2026
From Being Dismissed to Demanding Answers: Meet Stacey 🩷
Stacey is a 37-year-old wife, mom of two, and academic advisor at the University at Buffalo. For nearly a year, she knew something didn’t feel right.
After noticing what she described as “thick tissue” in her breast, Stacey repeatedly shared her concerns with her healthcare providers. In July of 2025, she was referred for a mammogram and ultrasound, but both came back clear. She was told to return for a routine mammogram at age 40.
Still convinced something was wrong, Stacey continued advocating for herself. 🗣️ At her annual OB-GYN appointment that November, she requested a breast MRI. Although initially questioned by her insurance, the MRI was approved and revealed multiple tumors. A biopsy soon confirmed Stage IIA invasive ductal breast cancer.
Stacey underwent a double mastectomy at Roswell Park in February 2026. Final pathology showed her cancer was HER2-positive (triple-positive), leading to 12 weeks of chemotherapy. She now receives targeted therapy every three weeks, along with hormone suppression medication, to help reduce the risk of recurrence. She also plans to undergo breast reconstruction and additional surgeries to lower her risk of ovarian cancer as well.
Today, Stacey hopes her story reminds other young adults to trust their instincts and advocate for themselves❕She urges people to keep asking questions and pushing for answers when something doesn’t feel right.
After attending Cancerchella, Stacey found comfort in connecting with other young adults who understand the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis. As a new member of the Young Adult Program, she values the peer support and meaningful connections that make this community so special. She is also incredibly grateful for all of the support she has received over the last 6 months from her wonderful husband, family, friends and co-workers. ✨
What a powerful reminder to SPEAK UP & be your own best advocate when things simply don’t feel right! Let’s give Stacey some love in the comments for continued strength on her journey ahead! ⬇️
