From Chaos to Clarity: Sandra’s Journey with Kadance

When Sandra T. received her breast cancer diagnosis, the ground beneath her shifted. A mother, a research nurse, and someone deeply familiar with the realities of serious illness, Sandra suddenly found herself on the other side of the patient experience. Her initial diagnosis, triple-negative breast cancer, brought fear, uncertainty, and sleepless nights. Known for its aggressive nature and limited treatment options, triple-negative left her wondering not only about her survival but about the future of her children and family.

“I was very scared and anxious,” Sandra recalled. “I was worried about my children, my future, my family. As a research nurse, I wanted to know more, but I felt like my options were limited.”

Sandra began searching for answers on her own. She read about clinical trials and emerging diagnostic tools such as liquid biopsies, which can detect circulating tumor DNA in the blood. But her community oncologist explained that many of these tools weren’t typically available outside major cancer centers. Sandra felt trapped between wanting to be proactive and not having access to the resources she knew could make a difference.

That’s when Kadance stepped in.

The Power of Support and Clarity

Through Kadance’s post-diagnostic services, Sandra was introduced to an oncology nurse navigator (ONN) who explained the benefits, which included advanced tumor testing, access to molecular pathology review, and cutting-edge surveillance tools such as liquid biopsy. Just as important, her ONN provided something Sandra hadn’t had since her diagnosis, reassurance and space to breathe.

“I felt like I could literally breathe again,” Sandra said. “Having access to Kadance gave me hope. I could prepare better for the future, and I didn’t feel alone.”

Her ONN connected with her regularly, answering questions, taking notes during complex medical meetings, and ensuring she understood her testing and treatment options. For Sandra, that human touch —knowing someone genuinely cared— was as important as the science itself.

A Critical Refinement in Diagnosis

One of the pivotal moments in Sandra’s journey came when Kadance arranged for an expert molecular pathologist to review her case. What she learned changed everything.

While she had been treated for triple-negative breast cancer, further testing revealed her tumor also had HER2-low expression. This refinement didn’t change the treatment she was already undergoing, but it opened the door to future therapies that wouldn’t have been available with a triple-negative diagnosis.

“Knowing that I had HER2-low gave me more hope,” Sandra said. “If my cancer ever comes back, there are treatment options available to me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. That knowledge allowed me to finally sleep again.”

At just 40 years old at the time of her diagnosis, Sandra found comfort in knowing that medical advances had created new pathways forward.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

In addition to advanced tumor testing, Kadance provided pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, which helped her doctors understand how her body might respond to pain medications and immunotherapy. She also gained access to liquid biopsy testing after treatment, something she had long researched but hadn’t been able to pursue through her oncologist alone.

“The liquid biopsy gave me peace of mind,” Sandra explained. “The test was quick, easy, and done at home. When I got the news that it was negative, I celebrated with my family.”

For Sandra, survivorship doesn’t mean leaving cancer behind. It means living with reassurance that if her cancer ever reappears, she won’t be starting from scratch. Kadance has already helped her look ahead with clarity, not just fear.

A Message of Empowerment

Looking back, Sandra is grateful for both the science and the empathy she received through Kadance. “If I didn’t have Kadance, my experience would have been filled with anxiety and chaos. Instead, I had peace, education, and tools to cope.”

Her advice to others facing a diagnosis is simple: seek knowledge, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Kadance gave me options, reassurance, and hope. Every part of the program mattered, from the nurse navigator’s compassion to the advanced testing. I know I’m not alone, and that makes all the difference.”

Sandra’s story is a testament to what’s possible when advanced science meets compassionate guidance. Kadance is here not just to support members through diagnosis, but to give them clarity, confidence, and a future filled with hope.

You can hear more from Sandra on our Kadance YouTube channel.

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