Elissa Kalver's life took an unexpected turn at 34. A seemingly innocuous lump led to a devastating diagnosis: HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, a disease deemed incurable. The news was especially jarring given her young age and the recent arrival of her first child. Initially focused on aggressive treatment – a mastectomy, and more – the PET scan revealed the cancer's extensive spread to her spine and liver, shattering her initial naive hope for a quick fix. Facing a grim five-year survival rate of just 39%, Kalver confronted the reality of living with cancer indefinitely.
However, Kalver's story is not one of despair. It's a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the advancements in cancer treatment. The aggressive nature of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer stems from high levels of the HER2 protein, which accelerates cell growth and division. While historically a particularly aggressive form, medical breakthroughs in the past decade and a half, as Dr. Shari Goldfarb of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center explains, have significantly improved outcomes. Targeted therapies, now available, specifically attack the HER2 receptor, dramatically extending life expectancy for many patients.
Kalver's journey has been arduous. She's endured rigorous chemotherapy, multiple clinical trials, and the emotional toll of watching the disease spread, including to her brain. Each treatment has brought its own side effects, ranging from debilitating nausea and hair loss to bone pain and a bleeding rash. Yet, her oncologist, Dr. Marla Lipsyc-Sharf, has meticulously adjusted her treatment plan, prioritizing both efficacy and Kalver's quality of life. Today, Kalver continues chemotherapy and oral medication, managing the side effects and maintaining a positive outlook.
Kalver's remarkable spirit extends beyond her personal battle. A year after diagnosis, she founded "We Got This," a non-profit gift registry for cancer patients. She's also authored a book, become a sought-after speaker, and actively educates others about clinical trials. Her unwavering determination embodies the philosophy of ‘living, not just surviving’ – a lesson she actively teaches and embodies. She celebrates ‘cancerversaries,’ acknowledging the day of her diagnosis, as significant milestones marking her ongoing fight. She prioritizes spending precious time with her now four-year-old daughter and her husband, embracing each moment and making a profound impact. Elissa Kalver's story is an inspiration, showcasing the power of hope, resilience, and the remarkable advancements in cancer care.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elissa-kalver-her2-positive-metastatic-breast-cancer-memorial-sloan-kettering-ucla/
