A Conversation with Caitlin Flanagan (Episode #203)

Caitlin Flanagan was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer during a routine mammogram when she was 40 years old.

She has undergone chemotherapy (including 'red devil'), surgery (lumpectomy), radiation, and is currently on a treatment regimen including Herceptin and Progetta.

Caitlin Flanagan has been dealing with cancer for approximately 17 years, including an 11-year durable remission period.

The pandemic has compounded the hassle of ongoing cancer treatment, affecting the scheduling of essential scans and infusions, and increasing general health anxieties.

Stage four cancer means the cancer has metastasized from its primary site to other parts of the body. In breast cancer, this indicates it has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes into the bloodstream.

Caitlin Flanagan states that having a positive attitude is a myth concerning cancer treatment success; the effectiveness depends on the treatments themselves, not necessarily the patient's outlook.

A doctor and New York Times writer tweeted that Flanagan should use her 'remaining years' to become less racist and anti-feminist, referencing a prior article.

Flanagan found the tweet painful but ultimately forgave the author, seeing it as a learning experience for the individual and a reflection of social media dynamics.

While she experienced an 11-year remission and was once considered in a cohort where doctors cautiously used the word 'cured,' her cancer has returned. She is currently on lifelong treatment.

She is taking Herceptin in combination with a drug called Progetta, along with large injections every three weeks. She expects to be on treatment for the rest of her life.