Clea Shearer’s Journey with Breast Cancer: Treatment and Recovery
Clea Shearer’s journey with breast cancer began shortly after her 40th birthday in February 2022. She discovered a lump in her breast, and given her age, she knew the importance of a mammogram. “It hit me that at 40, you’re due for a mammogram, so why wouldn’t this lump be cancerous?” Shearer shared with Healthline.
Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment Bring Hope
Advances in breast cancer diagnostics and treatments offer hope for patients. Dr. Paul Baron, chief of breast surgery at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, explains that new technologies, like contrast-enhanced mammography, detect smaller tumors. Surgeons now focus on performing less aggressive procedures when treating patients.
“We’re performing more lumpectomies instead of mastectomies. This reduces surgeries on both the breast and lymph nodes, lowering the risk of complications like lymphedema,” said Baron.
Radiation treatments have also shortened. In some cases, partial breast radiation takes just five days.
For more on recent advancements, visit BreastCancer.org.
Managing Side Effects and Breast Reconstruction
As patients live longer, managing side effects becomes essential. Dr. Margaret Gatti-Mays from Ohio State University emphasized that cancer treatments aim to reduce side effects. This helps improve the quality of life for survivors.
Advances in breast reconstruction surgery have also made significant progress. Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, a double board-certified breast reconstructive microsurgeon, noted that combining a lumpectomy with a breast lift or reduction can enhance cosmetic outcomes.
“With smaller-breasted women who otherwise would not need a lift or reduction, the tissue around the lumpectomy can be rearranged to fill the hole,” said Srinivasa.
Clea Shearer’s Personal Experience
Aside from treatment, Shearer emphasizes self-care through exercise and journaling. She started writing a memoir about her cancer journey last year. “It’s been ongoing. I think it allows me to express how I feel,” Shearer said.
Currently, Shearer co-hosts a reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which will air on ABC-TV next year. She finds working with families facing medical challenges life-affirming.
“Whenever we encounter a family with a medical diagnosis that I can relate to, it pierces my soul. It’s incredible to put your arm around someone who understands what you’re going through,” she explained.
Early Diagnosis and Self-Advocacy
Shearer immediately contacted her OB-GYN but faced a long wait for an appointment despite her concerns. “I thought a special alarm should go off when someone says they found something,” she said.
Her primary care doctor helped her connect with an oncologist, leading to a mammogram and an emergency triple biopsy. Shearer was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive mammary carcinoma, an aggressive breast cancer type.
“I have early stage, hormone-positive HER2 negative breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence,” she said.
Dr. Gatti-Mays encourages self-advocacy. “If women develop new breast symptoms, they should seek medical attention. If something isn’t right, speak up,” she advised.
Her Journey Through Treatment
Despite the early stage of her cancer, the type required aggressive treatment. Shearer underwent a double mastectomy, surgery for necrosis, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy by November 2022.
“Not all stage 2 cancers are the same. Some are more aggressive than others, so we put more weight on the type of breast cancer than the staging,” Dr. Baron noted.
In June 2024, Shearer had her ovaries removed. Her doctor recommended the medication Verzenio to help prevent recurrence.
“It’s essential to not just beat cancer once but keep it at bay,” Shearer said.
Dr. Baron highlighted that treatment for breast cancer is unique to each patient. “We consider the cancer’s biology, its location, and the patient’s age,” he said.
Conclusion
Clea Shearer’s journey with breast cancer sheds light on the importance of self-advocacy and the advances in breast cancer treatment. Through her experience, she aims to inspire others facing similar challenges.
