Embracing Life Despite a Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

At 34, Elissa Kalver found a lump in her breast. Despite lacking a family history of cancer and having recently become a mother, she presumed it to be a harmless cyst. An examination revealed another lump under her arm. Both masses proved malignant.

Subsequent assessments painted a grimmer picture: cancer had spread to her liver and lower spine. Diagnosed with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, Kalver faced an incurable condition.

"Though my death was not imminent, I learned I had an 80% chance of dying within five years," Kalver shared. Her initial oncologist tried to be optimistic, recalling some patients who lived beyond six years. For a 34-year-old, fighting to see 40 was hard to grasp.

Understanding HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

This aggressive form of breast cancer is fueled by elevated levels of the HER2 protein, which regulates cell growth and division. While incurable, it remains treatable.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that pre-spreading diagnoses offer a 97% five-year survival rate. Unfortunately for Kalver and similar cases, this rate drops to 39% when cancer metastasizes.

Fortunately, medical innovations continually brighten prospects. Over recent years, the introduction of medications targeting the HER2 receptor has significantly improved outcomes for patients like Kalver, says oncologist Dr. Shari Goldfarb from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Managing HER2-positive Metastatic Cancer

Regular monitoring, with scans every few months, is essential for managing this condition. Treatments adjust based on cancer's responsiveness. Prioritizing Kalver's quality of life is crucial, given the intense side effects of chemotherapy.

Kalver sought care at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her journey involved various clinical trials and treatments under Dr. Marla Lipsyc-Sharf's guidance. About a year post-diagnosis, cancer reached Kalver's brain.

A targeted chemotherapy that penetrated the blood-brain barrier reduced brain tumors by 80%, and they’ve remained stable for three years.

Chemotherapy's toll is significant. Nausea, hair loss, and intense discomfort have been challenges. Treatment adjustments aim to balance effectiveness with manageable side effects.

Kalver currently undergoes chemotherapy infusions every few weeks, complemented by a twice-daily oral medication. While anemia led to a blood transfusion, her situation remains stable.

Choosing to Truly Live

Despite indefinite treatment, Elissa's focus is living fully rather than merely surviving. After completing an arduous chemotherapy round, she celebrated by ringing a ceremonial bell, even though her treatments were far from over.

Marking her diagnosis day annually as a "cancerversary," Kalver launched "We Got This," a nonprofit registry for cancer patients. She authors, speaks, and educates others about participating in clinical trials, with her fifth "cancerversary" approaching.

Time spent with her daughter and husband is precious. "I aim to live as long as possible, making the greatest impact," Kalver said. "I strive to truly live, embracing every moment."