The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you!!! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?

Hi, My name is Kari Vandenberg-Bastian and I am a 38 year old wife, mother, and registered nurse. I am originally from Northern Nevada but have called the Pacific Northwest my home for quite some time. My life before chemotherapy was a busy one. Between spending time with my family and traveling for my work I also enjoyed being outdoors camping and hiking or even just a neighborhood walk. I also went to many concerts and spent time with my friends exploring local places throughout Portland, Oregon and Southwest Washington. I loved to read novels, particularly historical fiction and hope to pick that back up once the chemo brain is not in full effect.

Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer this July (2023) at the age of 37. Initially we thought there were just the two tumors in my left breast because there was no lymph node involvement. After a few “just in case” diagnostic scans we found that the cancer had already metastasized to my right posterior rib via my blood, making me stage four. It’s called ‘de novo’ when your initial diagnosis is already metastatic. My cancer is also categorized as invasive ductal carcinoma, Her2 triple positive.

The first few months felt like a living nightmare. Being a nurse, I was quite aware of how aggressive breast cancer could be. I did breast exams quite often and even had my OBGYN do a breast exam a week before I felt my superficial lump that started this whole journey. I went through stages of the grieving process at different times. I was sad, angry, in denial, etc. I kept thinking how unfair this all was. I did what I was supposed to do. I did breast exams, I went to the doctor, I advocated for a mammogram even though I was under the age for routine diagnostics. I did everything, and ended up with the worst outcome.

What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?

My first chemo treatment felt a bit hectic. We were set to treat me like stage one with a TCHP (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin, and perjeta) regimen but because my insurance denied my Neulasta injection to help rebuild my white blood count after infusion it ended up getting THP last minute. My oncologist didn’t want me to end up in the hospital due to severe neutropenia and an opportunistic infection.

Who did you turn to as your support system?

Honestly, I turned to anyone that was willing to be there. I was absolutely terrified with my stage 4 diagnosis. I knew there had to be many options for mental, physical, and emotional support in the hospital system. I went to some different events, talked to therapists, and eventually found a metastatic breast cancer community.  I also have some good friends who have unfortunately been through treatment and I have found amazing support from the online community as well. Above all, I wouldn’t be able to make it through this without my husband. He has been my biggest support. He has been so loving and kind to me in my darkest moments even though I know this is so hard for him as well. I am also immensely grateful for his parents, who have helped us with our 2-year-old during appointments, trips, or days that I have zero energy.

What is something you wished you knew before starting your chemo treatment?

I wish I had known more about the possible long term side effects. I feel like there are many that aren’t discussed with patients and we find out from other cancer patients as we go. For example the possibility of chemo ruining your teeth. It’s obviously a better outcome than dying, but I wish I had been informed a bit more.

Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?

Each chemo cycle seems to come with similar side effects and also some new ones. I had a hard time after my first infusion with some vision loss. This was scary for two reasons, one being the obvious of trying to do every day activities with decrease sight. The second was the worry about having brain metastasis (which I didn’t thank god). The side effect that seems to happen after each infusion that is very difficult to manage, is the depression. The toxins seem to mess with my mood and for the week after my infusion I am very tearful and sad. Then by week 2 of my 3 week cycle I start climbing back out of the hypothetical darkness.