Author: Abigail Johnston

I'm a daughter, a wife, a mother, and I've been living with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer since March, 2017. All of the words I publish are my own.

Port procedure/surgery

After seven (7) years of mostly behaving itself, my original port has been removed and I am the proud owner of a new power port! This may seem like a little thing, but it has been a challenge for years dealing with my first non-power port and having a port that can handle contrast without … Continue reading Port procedure/surgery →

When Others Share First

I've been pondering this phenomenon for quite a while and certainly for the same amount of time that social media has been present in our lives. Yes, I remember a time when social media wasn't a thing (I realize I'm dating myself here). I remember when I first learned about Facebook (shocker) and when the … Continue reading When Others Share First →

Scans #3 on Enhertu

As most of you are aware, the treatment for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) doesn't end while we are still alive (with a few notable exceptions that we hope will become the rule). To determine whether treatment is working, those of us living with MBC undergo scans in various intervals (usually 3, 6, or … Continue reading Scans #3 on Enhertu →

When you go to the polls …

It's Election Day in the United States for 2024. My husband and I decided to take advantage of early voting here in Florida, so we're not physically going to the polls today; at the same time, it's very much top of mind today and it may be for you too. While I'm sure that most … Continue reading When you go to the polls … →

Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. This 800+ page law covers a wide variety of topics and issues, including healthcare, which is my major concern right now. As with any significant legislation, there are often unintended consequences and questions swirling as the healthcare provisions affecting patients directly become effective in January … Continue reading Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) →

It’s October Again …

The post reflects on the fatigue and frustration associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, particularly focusing on Pinkwashing and the need for genuine support for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Acknowledging the complexities of cancer experiences, it urges thoughtful engagement, awareness of financial contributions, and recognition of all cancer patients' realities.

Analysis Paralysis

I started Enhertu, my 7th line of treatment since my de novo diagnosis with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in March of this year. As many of you have noticed, I've not been as consistent with writing and many other things since starting this treatment. There are many reasons for that, the foremost being … Continue reading Analysis Paralysis →

Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu

On August 2nd, I traveled up to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for the 2nd PET/CT since I started my 7th line of treatment, Enhertu. If you aren't familiar with the refrain: "treat, scan, repeat," let me just say that it's a vicious rollercoaster I've been riding since my de novo Stage IV Metastatic Breast … Continue reading Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu →

Accessing Supportive Care

Recently, I was asked to participate as a patient partner for a webinar through the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC; https://mascc.org) on Precision Medicine for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: New Therapies and Supportive Care Strategies. Dr. and Professor Maryam Lustburg and Dr. Aditya Bardia presented about medications and strategies and I … Continue reading Accessing Supportive Care →

My 7th Metaversary

March 8, 2017, I received my breast cancer diagnosis and on June 27, 2017, I was told that I had actually been Stage IV from the beginning (aka de novo). I've marked the former as my cancerversary for the last seven years (check out the post I wrote in March about that 7th cancerversary here) … Continue reading My 7th Metaversary →