"From Diagnosis to Recovery: Kelsey Harrison’s Breast Cancer Survival Story"
LA Butterfly:
LA Butterfly is a platform based in Los Angeles that shares stories of cancer survivors who have rediscovered their true selves and gained strength. Inspired by the image of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, the platform compiles their words, lessons, and recommended items to spread hope and courage.
Summary of Kelsey's fight with cancer:
Kelsey Harrison, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with stage 2b estrogen-positive breast cancer at 27 after discovering a tumor during yoga. Diagnosed in May 2023, she overcame chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation, and at 29, she’s now cancer-free. A yoga teacher running two businesses (yoga retreats and a wellness festival) while raising her 3-year-old son, she transformed fear and anger into action, supporting LOWVELO to fund cancer research. Embracing yoga, cold plunging, and community strength, she’s reclaimed her life with purpose.
Powerful Words from Kelsey:
“I was given this cancer. And so what am I going to do with it? I’m going to use it if I’ve been given it.”
These words mark Kelsey’s shift from fear to purpose. Moving beyond “Why me?” to “What now?”, they reflect her resolve to inspire and live gratefully, fueling her post-treatment actions like LOWVELO and nonprofit dreams. Spoken rawly, they’re a universal call to transform adversity.
Positive and Empowering Statements:
“I never considered dying during treatment.”: “I think there’s so much to live and learn for.”
“Yoga gave me space.”: “I think it’s a place to always return to myself, no matter what.”
“I kept working despite cancer.”: “I think passion drives me forward.”
“Community is a huge strength.”: “I think we overcome together.”
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Diagnosis Timing and Context:
- Diagnosed in May 2023 at 27 with stage 2b estrogen-positive breast cancer.
- Found a 5cm tumor during yoga (Mother’s Day weekend), notable for tenderness—an unusual trait.
- Cancer had spread to lymph nodes (8/15 positive).
- Diagnosis Process:
- Primary care dismissed it as a cyst but ordered an ultrasound the next day.
- Ultrasound led to a mammogram; a doctor judged it “almost certainly cancer” due to size, calcification, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Confirmed via biopsy two weeks later; genetic testing showed no cause (no family history).
- Treatment Details:
- Chemotherapy:
- June to October 2023, 18 weeks of intense treatment.
- “Red Devil” (AC cycle) every 2 weeks for 14 rounds (typically 3 weeks).
- Weekly Taxol caused three anaphylactic shocks (throat closing, emergency meds), switched to a preservative-free “vaccine” version after advocacy.
- Surgery:
- December 1, 2023: Double mastectomy and left axillary lymph node removal (15 nodes, 8 cancerous).
- Immediate reconstruction with implants, skipping planned expanders.
- Radiation:
- Late January or early February 2024, 16 sessions on the left side to shrink tumor remnants.
- Worsened nerve pain from lymph node removal.
- Maintenance Therapy:
- Currently on tamoxifen and Lupron shots to suppress estrogen (ovaries in menopause).
- Soon starting Verzenio for two years as a precaution, despite no metastasis.
- Chemotherapy:
- Side Effects and Recovery:
- Chemo: Fatigue, nausea, hair loss (fully gone in 2-3 weeks).
- Radiation: Persistent fatigue, severe left arm nerve pain (couldn’t wear sleeves).
- Post-surgery: Arm mobility returned after 6 months.
- Current Status: Cancer-free in 2024, transitioning to a new doctor as her current one retires.
Sources:
Advocacy Is Non-Negotiable:
Her Taxol anaphylactic shocks (three times!) and her doctor’s initial dismissal of alternatives taught her the system doesn’t always prioritize the patient.
Learning:
“We have to advocate for ourselves so freaking much as patients… We need to question. We need to push these doctors because they stay in their comfort zone.” She switched to a preservative-free drug only after persistent pushback, aided by her partner.