Stories of CARE: Deb and Linette
Triple negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. For those facing this diagnosis, treatment can be more complex—and the path forward less certain.
Deb and Linette’s journeys reflect something equally important: what’s possible when care is timely, treatment is guided by research, and patients are supported every step of the way.
Deb’s Story: Earlier Detection, More Options
Deb was first treated for breast cancer in 2006 and remained healthy for many years.
In 2022, her cancer returned as triple negative breast cancer. She responded well to chemotherapy and surgery, and her scans showed no evidence of disease.
But her care didn’t stop there.
In 2025, advanced blood testing detected early signs of recurrence before anything appeared on standard imaging. A small lung lesion was later confirmed and successfully removed through surgery.
Today, Deb’s scans once again show no evidence of active disease.
Her experience highlights the growing role of advanced monitoring tools—helping detect recurrence earlier, when more treatment options are still within reach.
Linette’s Story: The Role of Research in Personalized Care
Linette was diagnosed with stage I triple negative breast cancer in 2016. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, her initial treatment was successful.
In 2019, new symptoms revealed that her cancer had returned, this time in nearby lymph nodes and the sternum.
Her care team responded quickly.
Linette began chemotherapy and participated in a research study designed to guide more personalized treatment decisions. As her care evolved, she also received immunotherapy and additional supportive treatment.
Her scans began to improve.
By 2020, imaging showed no evidence of active disease.
Since then, Linette has remained in remission, with ongoing follow-up showing no signs of recurrence as of 2026.
Her journey reflects how access to research and evolving treatment options can change the course of care.
How Care Made the Difference
Triple negative breast cancer accounts for only 10–15% of diagnoses, but it carries a higher risk of recurrence—especially when it spreads beyond the breast.
For patients with metastatic disease, long-term outcomes have historically been difficult.
But those numbers don’t tell the full story.
Deb and Linette’s experiences show what can happen when patients have access to:
Timely, coordinated treatment
Research-driven care, including clinical trials
Advanced tools that can detect recurrence earlier
Long-term follow-up and monitoring
Together, these elements are expanding what’s possible for patients facing complex diagnoses.
The Role of Donor Support
Progress like this happens through continued investment in research and patient care.
Philanthropy expands access to clinical trials, advances new treatment approaches, and supports tools that can detect recurrence earlier—while ensuring patients receive the long-term follow-up they need.
For patients like Deb and Linette, these efforts help turn possibility into real outcomes.
