Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer during her pregnancy, Brown faced a challenging journey. She was named after her Aunt Arlene, who succumbed to the same type of cancer. Brown discovered she carried the BRCA-1 gene mutation only after her sister’s diagnosis. Her doctors recommended preventive surgeries, but at 33, Brown and her husband wanted to start a family.
Brown opted for regular mammograms and MRIs instead. The tests were clear until December 2022 when she became pregnant. In March, she found a lump under her right arm, which was initially dismissed as common during pregnancy. By May, an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed her diagnosis.
Choosing Duke for treatment due to their prompt response, Brown felt supported by their team. “The oncologist sat my husband and me down and laid out the treatment plan with care and understanding,” she said. Dr. Rani Bansal assured Brown that chemotherapy could be safely administered during pregnancy.
“Many people immediately think they have to terminate the pregnancy or wait until they deliver,” Dr. Bansal noted, explaining that treatments are modified for pregnant patients with support from maternal-fetal medicine teams.
Brown began chemotherapy at 27 weeks pregnant and received comprehensive support from medical therapists for both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
After delivering her son Andrew, Brown continued aggressive treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to eliminate all cancer before surgery. Dr. Maggie DiNome performed a bilateral mastectomy in November at Duke, followed by reconstruction by Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt.
Reflecting on her experience post-surgery and radiation therapy, Brown said: “I had gone back and forth on what I wanted to do when they explained the different options.” Her focus was on quick recovery for her newborn: “My new breasts look amazing.”
Two years later, Brown remains in remission but takes medication for adrenal insufficiency caused by immunotherapy side effects. Regular monitoring continues due to the high recurrence risk of triple-negative breast cancer.
Dr. Bansal emphasized: “Triple-negative breast cancer has a high risk of recurrence.” She added that close monitoring is crucial: “That way if she has any new symptoms we can act quickly.”
For follow-up visits at Duke Women’s Cancer Center Raleigh, Brown describes it as “a near-distant memory” yet appreciates seeing familiar faces who cared for her through difficult times: “I am healing and I’m grateful.”
