Teyonna was leading an active and healthy life at 35 years old when her world was turned upside down. She was diagnosed with hormone-sensitive HER2-breast cancer despite not having a family history or genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, and was put on the drug Tamoxifen. She tolerated treatment and recovery well and went on to new jobs and opportunities.
Research is the cornerstone for improved outcomes and survival rates. No one chooses cancer. Reducing funding for cancer research impacts everyone.
After successful surgery and treatment, she faced an unexpected recurrence less than five years later, which led to another partial mastectomy, radiation, ovarian suppression, aromatase inhibitors, medically induced menopause, and two years of a drug called Verzenio.
Because of new research at the time, Teyonna was offered Verzenio. While she was not a typical candidate for the drug initially, by the time she was finished taking it, recommendations had shifted so that most early-stage breast cancer survivors with a risk of recurrence start taking Verzenio as a normal course of treatment. These advances were all thanks to research. While she tries not to think about the possibility of another recurrence, cutting research would make this even more terrifying. Research is the cornerstone for improved outcomes and survival rates.
Now Teyonna uses her voice to educate and spread awareness about early detection and empowering women through the complexities of menopause—especially those navigating it after cancer treatment.