Nurse learns to live with breast cancer
In January 2018, Holly Irwin, at the age of 47, received the devastating news that she had stage 2 breast cancer.
She knew she would face a trying battle that she continues to fight today with great courage and grace.
Holly, a nurse for Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, experienced no signs or symptoms prior to being diagnosed, but there was a family history of breast cancer.
In 2016, following genetic testing recommended by her OB/GYN to determine if she had certain mutations that might increase her risk, the results stated that there was “no clinically significant mutation.” Holly said that this was a huge relief for herself and her two grown daughters.
In June 2017, Irwin, of Emlenton, had a normal mammogram, but in December of that same year a breast MRI revealed abnormal results, and by 2018 she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Holly said that her first thoughts were, “Am I going to die? How do I tell my daughters?”
Instead of giving in, she began to fight, starting with research. She educated herself and prepared for the uncertainty that would ensue.
Treatment began in February 2018. Holly was required to take a break from her job as a school nurse under the recommendation of her doctor as she was now considered immunocompromised. After aggressive rounds of chemotherapy, she was able to return to work in April 2018, and it seemed as if life was returning to somewhat of a normal routine.
In August 2018, Holly underwent a mastectomy and months of oral chemotherapy. In April 2019, her doctor announced that she was cancer-free. She says that she was feeling quite well. She returned back to work that fall, and life was busy with the planning and celebration of her oldest daughter’s marriage, which took place in September 2019.
But symptoms began to develop in November 2019, and a CT scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized to lymph nodes throughout her chest, neck and various places in her bones. She received the diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
When schools shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, she was able to focus solely on her treatment. At the same time, Holly felt that this was one of the lowest points for her as she could not be in physical contact with her youngest daughter, who was a nurse dealing with COVID-19 patients.
In order to get through some of the most difficult situations, Holly felt that she had to connect with other cancer survivors for support. Turning to the internet, she found METAvivor. This group is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that provides hope to those who have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
According to its website, “METAvivor is the only organization in the U.S. that exclusively funds MBC research through a scientific peer-review process.” More information about this group can be found at https://www.metavivor.org/about-us/.
Holly is also a member of the Facebook group Metastatic-Stage IV Breast Cancer Support. This is a closed group of 6,859 members. Those who wish to join must be screened and approved, and all members’ posts are private. For more information, search the group name provided above. She has also benefitted from organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Look Good Feel Good and the Mrs. Clause program out of Knox in Clarion County.
Holly says that she feels less alone when she is able to talk to those who can relate to her situation. She talks openly about her diagnosis and treatment, so that she can help those who are going through the same or similar experiences, or for anyone who just wants to hear her encouraging story.
“My reality is that this will never go away. Cancer will forever be a part of me,” she said. “I’m choosing to take my experiences and do all that I can to educate others about such a prevalent and misunderstood disease.”
The new strain of COVID-19 has affected many students across the country, including those at A-C Valley, but Holly, with the help of Nurse Stacey Orrvick, has been able to perform her duties while following CDC guidelines. Despite her therapy and the effects of this invasive disease, Holly attempts to maintain as normal of a life as possible.
While there is no cure for Stage 4 breast cancer at this time, Holly said, “Advanced treatment options that are tailored to an individual cancer’s characteristics are improving survival rates as well as quality of life.”
She is currently on immunotherapy and gets chemotherapy every two weeks.
Holly is living each day to its fullest. She is an inspiration to many women and advises others to stay positive, get regular mammograms, listen to and respond to changes in your body and practice self-care by doing things you enjoy. She says, “Be your own advocate. Don’t give up. Some days are tough, but it will get better.”
