It feels like Breast Cancer Awareness Month is wrapping up, and while we often focus on raising alarms, maybe we should also take a breath and remember the resilience and hope that come with facing this disease. Doctors are reminding women that statistically, about one in eight will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. For Ananda Lewis, that statistic is very real. Diagnosed with stage four, or metastatic, breast cancer – a condition that's treatable but not curable – she's living proof that this journey is about more than just fighting for survival.
Lewis sat down with ABC News contributor Kelly El Carter to share her story, a tale of strength and hope that she feels compelled to tell. "I wanted to share what was happening to me because I saw places I could have done better," she explained. There's a deep-seated belief in her words, a quiet acceptance: "I really do believe that everything is working for my good." Her experience isn't just a battle; it's a journey, one that began almost six years ago when she found a lump in her breast.
She admitted to not having regular mammograms for years. "I know by 47, I should have had my first mammogram, right, and I didn't do that," she said, explaining her past inaction. "I saw my mom do it for 30 years and she's still fine." Back then, she lacked the understanding she has now. "I did the best I could with the information I had at the time," she reflects, acknowledging that her approach has definitely changed since her diagnosis.
Her cancer journey became public in October 2020 when she revealed her stage three diagnosis on Instagram. "I have been fighting to get cancer out of my body for almost two years," she wrote. Yet, faced with the recommendation for a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy, she chose a different path. "I couldn't handle doing such a drastic surgery in my life at that time," she explained. She was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her son. "Cancer doesn't come and replace all the other stuff you have to do; cancer happens on top of your life," she noted. "And for me, it was just too overwhelming in the beginning." Instead, she opted for dietary changes, high-dose vitamin C IVs, and fractionated chemotherapy.
Initially, the results were promising, with her tumor seeming to stabilize. But in 2023, the news came that her cancer had progressed to stage four, spreading to other parts of her body. "Stage four breast cancer is not a death sentence anymore, and women live very good lives with it," Lewis stated. She pointed out that sometimes, even after exhaustive treatment, metastasis can occur, adding, "So, I feel like if this is where I was supposed to end up, this is where I'm going to end up, and either way, I'm going to address it with the same attitude and resilience that I address anything with." There's a remarkable calm in her acceptance.
While Lewis expresses no regret over her personal choices, some have questioned her decision not to pursue the mastectomy and chemo sooner. She firmly replies, "None of those people know me, and they don't know the details of my situation." She chooses not to engage in arguments about their opinions, calling it a waste of time. "Life owes me nothing; every day I get, I'm grateful for," she says. Her focus is on what she can fix and control, which is how she enjoys life and shows gratitude.
Speaking of her current state, Lewis says she's doing great, being treated by several oncologists and living a life filled with joy. "My hope is that sharing my story now," she says, "is going to do for other women who either are going through this or who may be going through it in the future, is that they will be given the full picture by the doctors they trust." She emphasizes that while fighting the cancer is crucial, it's not the only piece of the puzzle. "But all the things around that - supporting your body, feeling good about yourself – are incredibly important too."
Dr. Darren, a physician, echoed the importance of open communication between patients and doctors when making these difficult treatment decisions. "The decision is up to the patient," he stated. "And as doctors, our job is to educate patients about all the options, the therapies, the treatments, all the risks, all the benefits, and then the patient makes that decision." He stressed that disagreement is okay, and the doctor's responsibility doesn't end with the patient's choice. "The treatment stops at that moment, specifically whatever they're declining, but the care doesn't stop. That means that you're supporting them in whatever decision they make, and that is your job as a physician and a provider."
Dr. Darren also highlighted that patients should feel comfortable discussing all aspects with their doctors, including diet, nutrition, and emotional support. "When I'm talking to patients about any diagnosis, it's difficult to come to a decision," he acknowledged. "And again, my job as a physician is to provide them with all the options." He listed other supportive methods: "You can ask for other methods that might support your decision, such as pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy consultations, or talking to a dietitian." He stressed that cancer treatment involves so much more than just chemotherapy and radiation, adding, "All of these are folded into it, but these are not simple choices, and you have to respect whatever choice someone makes."