Since I am asked questions about various aspects of my treatment, I’ll try to summarize everything here.
Diagnosis
- Metastatic breast cancer. ER+, HER2-
- There is no visible tumor in my breast. My mammograms have been clear. Most recent mammogram was July 2024.
- The lesions are throughout my body, contained to bone.
- It was an incidental finding.
- I’ve been told to think about this as a chronic illness. Although this isn’t curable, it is treatable.
Treatment
- Femara
- Kisqali
- Radiation on my spine (completed in February 2025)
- Multiple supplements recommended by my pathologist and approved by my oncologist and pharmacist.
My Care Team
I am blessed with a team of health care providers who I have confidence are working to keep me strong and rid me of this cancer.
Trish Millard, MD
Oncology and Hematology
UVA Breast Care Center
John Gildea, PhD and his wife Heather Gildea
Pathology
Over 21 years ago, Heather was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer. John researched supplements that would complement her treatment and keep her body in remission. I believe that God is giving them the insight to keep my side effects from treatment to a minimum. Additionally, I believe that I too can see my cancer held in submission just like Heather.
Sarah Larsen
Counselor
Tests
- CT scan pelvic, abdominal, and upper thoracic
- Thoracic MRI
- Biopsy of lesion from my hip
- Too many blood tests to list
- Genetics
- Genomic of the lesion
- NM Bone scans
- Breast MRI
Kim Holman's Journey 