Title: Two Breast Cancer Survivors Warn of Less Obvious Signs of the Disease
Subtitle: Olivia Franz and Meadow Bailey share their experiences to raise awareness
Date: October 13, 2023
In a remarkable and cautionary tale, two brave women, Olivia Franz and Meadow Bailey, are urging others to be vigilant about their health and pay attention to the less obvious signs of breast cancer. Despite not feeling a lump, both women were diagnosed with less common types of breast cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection and knowledge about the disease.
Olivia Franz, a 27-year-old mother, noticed swelling in her breast while breastfeeding her infant son. Her doctor initially misdiagnosed her condition as mastitis, which is typically caused by an infection. However, even after a week of antibiotics, her symptoms persisted. Franz noticed her breast becoming extremely red, almost doubling in size, and experiencing nipple discharge. An ultrasound and biopsy confirmed her worst fears: stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive subtype of breast cancer that accounts for only one to five percent of all cases. It tends to occur in women under 40 and is characterized by rapid growth and spreading. Unfortunately, due to its unusual symptoms, IBC often goes undetected until later stages when it becomes harder to treat. Olivia’s cancer had already spread to her bones, giving her a five-year survival rate of 19 percent.
Meadow Bailey, on the other hand, was diagnosed with stage 1 lobular breast cancer. This type of cancer also grows and spreads without forming a distinctive lump, similar to IBC. Despite being healthy and active, Meadow never felt a lump and felt perfectly fine. It was during her routine mammogram that doctors discovered an area of concern. Further tests confirmed the diagnosis.
Lobular breast cancer, the second most common form of breast cancer, originates in the milk-producing glands of the breast. Its abnormal cell growth patterns make it challenging to detect using traditional mammograms. Symptoms may manifest as an inverted nipple, changes in breast skin texture, or swelling.
Both women received specialized and breakthrough treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Olivia has been cancer-free for three years, while Meadow celebrates her first year of being cancer-free. Their stories emphasize the importance of routine screenings, seeking medical attention when something feels off, and advocating for one’s health.
The experiences of Olivia Franz and Meadow Bailey serve as a powerful reminder that breast cancer can manifest in different ways. Women need to pay attention to their bodies and look beyond the classic lump symptom. Early detection remains the key to successful treatment and improved survival rates. By sharing their stories, these survivors hope to inspire and empower others to be proactive in their breast health journey.