Elissa Kalver's life took an unexpected turn at 34. A seemingly routine check-up revealed a devastating diagnosis: HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, a condition doctors deemed incurable. The news was particularly jarring, given her young age and the recent arrival of her first child. Initially, Kalver focused on the immediate fight, but a PET scan revealed the cancer's aggressive spread to her spine and liver, forcing a profound shift in perspective.
The prognosis was stark: an 80% chance of death within five years. This wasn't the 'cancer journey' she'd envisioned. The initial shock gave way to a determination to understand her condition and fight for every moment. Unlike early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, which boasts a 97% five-year survival rate, Kalver's metastatic cancer presented a far more challenging reality, with a 39% five-year survival rate, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The aggressive nature of the disease stemmed from high levels of the HER2 protein, which accelerates cell growth and division.
However, medical advancements offer a beacon of hope. Dr. Shari Goldfarb, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, highlights the significant improvements in treatment over the past decade and a half. New medications targeting the HER2 receptor have dramatically extended survival times, allowing many women to live for years, even decades, with the disease. Treatment involves ongoing monitoring and adjustments based on the cancer's response. Regular scans, every three to four months, determine the treatment's efficacy and whether changes are necessary.
Kalver's journey has been characterized by intensive treatment at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. This included aggressive chemotherapy, participation in clinical trials, and various treatment modalities guided by her oncologist, Dr. Marla Lipsyc-Sharf. The cancer even spread to her brain, a moment Kalver initially perceived as terminal. Yet, a targeted chemotherapy, successfully crossing the blood-brain barrier, significantly reduced the tumors, and they have remained stable for the past three years.
The treatments have exacted a toll, causing debilitating side effects such as nausea, hair loss, bone pain, and a bleeding rash. However, Dr. Sharf's careful management and recalibration of treatment plans have helped mitigate these challenges. Currently, Kalver manages her condition with chemotherapy infusions and daily oral medication, with the recent need for a blood transfusion due to anemia being a notable side effect.
Despite the ongoing battle, Kalver’s approach is one of defiance and purposeful living. She emphasizes "living, not just surviving." This philosophy has led her to establish 'We Got This,' a non-profit gift registry for cancer patients, write a book, become a motivational speaker, and actively advocate for clinical trial participation. Her yearly 'cancerversary' celebrations serve as powerful reminders of resilience and milestones achieved. As Kalver approaches her fifth cancerversary, she celebrates the strength, perseverance, and impact she has made on others and looks forward to creating many more memories with her four-year-old daughter and husband.
Kalver's story is not just a testament to her own courage but a symbol of hope for others facing similar challenges. It underscores the importance of ongoing research, innovative treatments, and the unwavering spirit of those battling incurable illnesses.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elissa-kalver-her2-positive-metastatic-breast-cancer-memorial-sloan-kettering-ucla/
