MBC Unicorn

Embrace hope, unleash your strength, and you will persevere through any storm. Keep up the good fight, Unicorns! 🦄💪

On June 8, 2021, I faced a big hurdle just a month after brain surgery when I had Gamma Knife surgery to zap the remaining mets in my skull. Fast forward to today, and I’m overjoyed to still be here, thriving and embracing every beautiful moment life offers! 💖✨ Every sunrise is a victory, and I’m endlessly grateful for my medical team, the unwavering love of my family and friends, and the fierce strength within me that I didn’t know I had until I needed it.

To all my fellow warriors battling metastatic breast cancer—you are stronger than you know, and there’s hope in every step forward! Let’s keep shining and never give up! 🌟💪

The Benefits of Natera’s Signatera ctDNA Test: A Game-Changer for My Metastatic Breast Cancer Journey

As someone living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and celebrating four years of no evidence of active disease (NED), I recently underwent Natera’s Signatera circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test to monitor my condition. My oncology team recommended this test to reduce the need for frequent scans, which I’d been getting every three months, to avoid excessive radiation exposure while still keeping a close eye on the cancer. This personalized, tumor-informed blood test is transforming MBC management, and here’s why it’s been a game-changer for me and others:

1. Early Detection Without Radiation: Signatera detects tumor DNA fragments in the blood, identifying molecular residual disease (MRD) before it appears on imaging. For MBC patients like me, this means catching any recurrence or progression early—studies show a median lead time of 10.5 months for breast cancer recurrence—without the need for frequent CT or PET scans that carry radiation risks.

2. Tailored to My Tumor: Signatera is custom-designed using my tumor’s unique genetic profile, targeting 16 or more specific mutations. This makes it highly sensitive (88% for recurrence in breast cancer) and specific (98%), giving me confidence in its accuracy. It’s a relief to have a test that’s so precise for my specific cancer.

3. Monitoring Treatment and NED Status: Signatera tracks ctDNA levels over time, helping my doctors confirm that my treatment continues to keep cancer at bay. For MBC patients, declining ctDNA levels can signal a sustained response, while rising levels may indicate progression, as shown in trials like INSPIRE for immunotherapy. For me, it’s a non-invasive way to ensure my NED status holds strong, and instead of scans every 3 months I’ll have a simple blood draw.

4. Reducing Scan Anxiety: After years of scans every three months, the radiation exposure and anxiety of waiting for results were wearing me down. Signatera offers a less invasive alternative, providing clear results—like mean tumor molecules per milliliter (MTM/mL)—that give me peace of mind. Seeing posts from others celebrating negative Signatera results resonates deeply with my experience.

5. Accessible and Relevant: Signatera is covered by Medicare for stage II-IV breast cancer in monitoring settings, making it accessible for many MBC patients like me. It works across all breast cancer subtypes, including triple-negative and HR-positive, ensuring it’s relevant no matter your diagnosis.

Why It Matters for My Journey: As someone who’s been NED for four years, the Signatera test has been a lifeline, allowing me to reduce scan frequency while staying vigilant. It’s empowered me and my oncology team to make informed decisions with precise, personalized data, all while minimizing radiation risks. If you’re navigating MBC, talk to your oncologist about whether Signatera could fit into your care plan. Learn more at www.natera.com.

Note: Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret results and plan next steps, as Signatera isn’t yet standard for all MBC scenarios.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests for breast cancer | LBBC ctDNA tests analyze blood samples to look for fragments of genetic information (DNA) shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. Also called liquid biopsy.

💚🩷🩵Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC): Spreading Awareness, Sharing Strength 💚🩷🩵

This page is dedicated to shining a light on metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced stage of breast cancer (Stage IV), and the only form of breast cancer that kills. Here are some important facts to know:

💜 What is MBC? Metastatic breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, like the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

💜 About 20-30% of people initially diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may later develop MBC.

💜 MBC is Treatable, Not Curable: While MBC cannot be cured, treatments can help manage the disease, extend life, and improve quality of life.

💜 MBC doesn’t discriminate. It affects all ages—men, women, young, and old can be diagnosed.

💜 Research is Critical: Only 2-5% of breast cancer research funding goes to MBC, yet it’s responsible for nearly all breast cancer deaths.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share this post to raise awareness, support MBC warriors, and advocate for more research. Together, we are unstoppable. 💪✨

🦄 Hello, brave souls! Welcome to my MBC Unicorn Page! 🦄

I’m four years into my metastatic breast cancer journey, and I go by the name MBC Unicorn. This page is your haven for those confronting the challenges of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and is dedicated to celebrating the indomitable spirit of those navigating the rollercoaster journey that is MBC.

Here, we come together to celebrate the indomitable spirit of fighters, survivors, caregivers, and friends. Whether you're battling MBC, another terminal illness, or offering support to a loved one, you're embraced with open arms into our community.

We'll embrace every aspect of this journey – the highs, the lows, and even the messy moments – adding a touch of humor and a sprinkle of sparkle to each other's lives. Together, we'll navigate these waves, knowing that our collective strength surpasses any challenge. Together, we're not just survivors; we're unicorns, defying the odds and shining brightly in the face of adversity.