Why is my Breast Tumor NOT Responding to Treatment? | Update on Scheduled Surgery

One question you might've had after my last cancer scan vlog is: Why is my breast tumor not responding to my current cancer treatment? I wondered the same thing and tried to answer that as best as I can in this video. I also have updates on my scheduled lumpectomy surgery.
My current treatment: Abemaciclib (Verzenio), Anastrozole, Zoladex, Xgeva
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0:00 Hello, welcome
0:15 Results from Scans
1:14 Tumor Board
2:40 Meeting with Breast Surgeon
4:05 Differences in Treatment for Stage 4
6:51 What my Surgery & Recovery will be like
8:09 Why is the cancer in my breast not responding to treatment?
9:48 Research on Removing Primary Tumor
10:57 Update on Me and Treatment Side Effects
14:00 Thanks for Watching!

[@SamanthaL]

Hey Everyone! I appreciate your concern and rather than continuing to answer every comment about LUMPECTOMY vs MASTECTOMY (aka full removal of the breast), I am putting the reasoning here: A mastectomy won’t help me since I am stage 4 (and always was) and there is already cancer in other areas in my body. Many people get a mastectomy because it gives them peace of mind that they are removing all breast tissue where the cancer started. Because of this, it’s a great option for some people, but they are typically stage 0-3. Even then, research shows that a mastectomy doesn’t improve survival chances over lumpectomy in certain cases so people don’t always pick it now (it was probably more common years ago when your friend/mom/grandma was being treated). There are other reasons people might choose mastectomy over lumpectomy but they don’t apply to me. One reason is their tumor is too big or there are multiple tumors. Mine is small and in one spot. Some people have certain mutations that make it more likely for cancer to form in their healthy breast which is why they choose a double mastectomy to give them peace of mind, but again, it doesn’t completely guarantee the cancer won’t come back. Some people are just doing it for personal preference. A lot of times they don’t need to get as many scans, biopsies, or other procedures if they just get a full mastectomy and so it’s more convenient for them. I’m stage 4 so I’m already being monitored constantly and on treatment for life and a mastectomy won’t change that. What about the microscopic cells left over in the breast after lumpectomy? Good question. If the treatment I am on is helping shrink the active cancer in other parts of my body, then it should also take care of those microscopic cells left over in the breast. Sometimes the treatment needs extra “help” which is the reasoning for removing the bulk of the tumor. I am NOT saying a mastectomy is always a wrong decision because it is a great option for many people in certain situations and many people have success with it, but in my situation it is not needed. It was not recommended by my doctors because it is unnecessary. I hope this helps, and thank you again for your concern and support!

[@commonsense6967]

What a great explanation, Samantha, and it makes perfect sense! Hopefully, the lumpectomy willbe the last breast surgery you'll need.

[@patriciahagedorn5694]

I was wondering the same thing so thank you for the explanation. I admire your strength and tenacity. I am such a wimp and could not be as strong as you. I will pray for a good result from surgery. Keep fighting and never give up.

[@Ragdollcatlover]

Your compassion and patience for people’s comments is admirable.

[@SamanthaL]

@@Ragdollcatlover oh thank you! I think we can all learn from each other so I love allowing discussion in the comments and I hope I can be helpful answering any questions

[@janeellis4926]

MBC is a totally different situation. So good to see someone explaining it so well. I also am stage4 and people don't understand that there is no cure and you are in treatment for life. It is also extremely complex and everyone's situation is unique.

[@-aimee-]

Your daughter has a remarkable mother ❤

[@dawndemet3331]

That sounds like a suitable plan. I’m 13 years in Stage 4. My cancer is in my bones. My last scans showed certain bone areas showing growth. They suggested radiation just on those areas. 6 months later my tumor markers are the lowest they’ve been in years. You have a troubled area, makes sense to treat that.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

That's wonderful, Dawn!

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you. Great to hear about your tumor markers!

[@janjanermathews6699]

Wishing you continued success ! You got this!

[@alexandrachidera3664]

That is so wonderful, your comment gave me so much hope, have bone Mets and I feel so sore all over, praying God heals me completely

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

@alexandrachidera3664 Just said a prayer for you, Dawn and Samantha. Hope y'all don't mind. Said one for myself, too. ✌

[@kimmiegirl8712]

Breast Cancer Survivor here. Sending hugs. People watching don't always understand how tough these decisions are. Hope lumpectomy goes smoothly!

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you! Hope you’re doing well

[@SusanGW]

Hi Samantha, I’m a 24 year survivor of breast cancer!🎉 I hope and pray you’ll be better soon. ❤&🙏🏼

[@sarawhiteman7459]

Thank you for allowing us to share your cancer journey. 17 year survivor here, hope the very best for you. I’m happy your family and friends are so supportive. ❤

[@lanebashford3982]

I can give you a possible reason for the treatment not working. Been reading a lot about Verzenio and saw my oncologist this past week. He said it takes 2-3 months for the Abemaciclib (Verzenio) and the aromatase inhibitor you're taking...to work. Some people respond better to it, like me. I'm almost 3 years on Abemaciclib + Letrozole. As an RN, I'd say that everyone responds differently to these cancer drugs so don't write it off yet. I have a dear friend who's in the same boat as we are (stage 4 MBC) and she had a double mastectomy 4 years ago and has NED (no evidence of disease) now. She is thrilled. I wasn't able to have surgery because my cancer had already spread to my ribs and other bones. My little helper, Abemaciclib, is working to keep it all from spreading further. I'm praying for you and hoping for a rapid recovery for you. HUGS from Alabama!

[@SamanthaL]

That’s true! I’ve heard sometimes it can have the opposite effect right when you start it before it starts to work. Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad your friend and you are doing well!

[@mamoo5495]

My breast cancer has came back after 4 years and now it is in the liver. You are so young bless you. I just found out last month. It been hard to wrap my head around.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

Just said a 🙏 for you.

[@shenanigans8799]

Prayers going up for you

[@nesadcruz7840]

Wish you all the best

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Positive vibes and warm hugs for you ,my friend

[@clairebeever3038]

Sending love my cancer has come back also …. It’s awful and a shock …. You’re not alone …❤ Hope your doing ok

[@joannamarquis2705]

I am stage 4, B.C., while I was responding to treatment, I had to insist that cyberknife radiation be done to the last spot in my bones, on my left rib. After that my tumor markers continued to drop, 1 year after that all signs of cancer gone. I was told that basically I was not a candidate for cyber knife because of having numerous spine mets. But it made sense to me to kill that last remaining tumor. Last Pet scan no evidence of any cancer. I followed advice from a book, titled Help heal yourself from cancer, written by doctor who beat 2 difference cancers over a span of many years between cancers. And I take my meds exactly as prescribed. I've been in the trenches with this battle for 9 years, stage 4 diagnosed in 2021. Cancer changes everything, your looks, attitude, etc. I am praying for you now.❤

[@SamanthaL]

That’s awesome! Congrats on NED 😊

[@lelerussell3623]

Bless you.

[@coachschwab53]

Breast cancer survivor here. Do what you and your team feel best for you. Sending hugs and prayers.

[@thecatholicunschooler6507]

Hello, I am new to your channel. I want you to know that I pray for all cancer patients around the world. My, at the time 13 year old daughter, was diagnosed with leukemia and is now 15 and cancer free but still undergoing chemo every single day. She’ll be doing that for another year. This whole journey is definitely not easy for sure. Ever since my daughter was diagnosed I pray for you every single day. May God go with you and your beautiful family. Amen Lisa Frye

[@jenniferwarner4136]

❤❤

[@Ella-du8oh]

Hi! Can I ask what type of leukemia? I was diagnosed at the age of 18. Wishing all the best for your daughter!

[@thecatholicunschooler6507]

@@Ella-du8oh Hi, T cell childhood leukemia. I hope you are well.

[@ohjacque]

I saw the comment someone made about your “straightforward” approach to your cancer, treatment and decisions. I felt I was the same. I am BRCA-1 positive. It’s been 16 years since that diagnosis and 3 years since my colon cancer diagnosis. Having oncologists have the “straightforward” approach towards my care from DAY 1 was THE BEST for me. I appreciate the way you share information about what you are going through. It’s a given having cancer brings sadness in many ways. Not only as the patient but for our friends and family. You’re so right! I was stage 4 with both cancers and the priority was to get “it” all out. We live with cancer as cancer patients in MANY WAYS whether it is having our cancer being in remission or as you said “get rid of most of the tumors for the best survival.” All the best to you with your lumpectomy. We will be thinking of you

[@perditawinter4694]

Lovely to see you. Aside from your illness as such, your straightforward attitude is a good example to anyone, whoever they are and whatever they're doing.

[@tarynsanmartino8930]

Prayers for you for upcoming surgery. You are awesome!

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you!

[@o.6775]

You are the strongest person, l pray for this cancer to be all removed from your body that isnt responding, in fact l pray all the cancer is cured with this chemo Samantha Lynn. We love you precious girl. 💗 xx

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you!

[@EleanorWeldon]

Hi Samantha, you are an extremely intelligent, articulate and very caring woman. Your are very soothing to listen to and know how to relay information in a way that everyone can understand. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I’ve had breast cancer. Been good for 5 yrs. One day at a time. My prayers are with you as I ask for your full remission. Peace, Eleanor from 🍁 Canada.

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you! Congrats on 5 years :)

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

A tumor that has increased from 8 to 17 mm. definitely will benefit from surgical removal. It's very positive that the other sites are shrinking. 🍀 I claim this surgery + your medications will knock it out. 🌻 Edit: You have more freckles. You and baby have been out in the sun. 😊

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you, I hope so! And yes, we’ve been enjoying the warmer weather :)

[@maureen7586]

I applaud the decision to get the lumpectomy ! Originally faced with similar scenario when docs at one hospital thought i had stage 4...i was horrified to think they would just treat me systemically and not remove the cancer in breast area. It turned out to be stage 2 ( different hospital) and it took 3 surgeries to get clean margins. After 6 weeks of radiation...i sm hoping to remain cancer free. I think you will feel relived to be rid of that cancerous area. Wishing you continued strength and hope and love ❤ Hug your daughter and your husband. We are all rooting for you ✨❤❤❤♥️

[@SamanthaL]

Thank you! Hoping your treatment worked and you are cancer free!

[@user-gj6rm3zh9l]

dont die girl,life is beautiful

[@saraseelig6390]

Hi Samantha. Lumpectomy sounds like the best way to go now. I'm sending you positive energy, healing and strength. Much love to you & your family. ❤

[@deliahiggs1752]

Your positivity and being able to talk and explain to us the details of your treatment is remarkable. You and awesome women, wife and mother. Praying that your treatment team with Gods guidance there wisdom will give you the best outcome🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@janeellis4926]

I am also stage4. Thank you for sharing and educating that MBC is not the same as stage 1, 2 or 3. People just don't get it.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

🙏

[@DN-rg9nj]

Immense respect for you during your healing process while juggling raising a child. You are so remarkably strong and your beautiful spirit and gracefulness resonates through the screen. Often I've wondered while watching your videos, what sort of emotional support you have from your spouse, any family or friends and what that all looks like over the years. Your daughter is so blessed to have you as her mom.

[@SamanthaL]

I have a fantastic husband and family helping me always!

[@erbiumfiber]

Also, not meaning to sound superficial, but you totally rock short hair, I think it's very cute on you! And, having been a single mother, I do know that it's pretty convenient when your daughter is small, one less thing to deal with...

[@apollonia-ava]

You are a great role model Samantha for your daughter, for many young women and even for older (really old buggers like me)women too. You are doing things your way and dealing with life as it comes .. you’re bloody brilliant girl .. sending love ok ❤❤❤

[@SamanthaL]

💕

[@melsanchez1843]

wishing you a fast recovery 🙏

[@Catherine3296]

Samantha, I wish you well with your surgery and I pray you get good results. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything about your treatments and cancer. 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️

[@michelledmnds1980]

Continued prayers on your surgery and journey!

[@phyllisshocket7663]

Thank you for your update. Sending tons of prayers and hugs ❤

[@avarose316]

Praying for your full recovery 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@maryellenmonk3481]

Love to you Sam. You are such a warrior ❤

[@carolynturnerclark9287]

Praying your recovery will be quick.

[@bgbell5207]

Prayers for you and your upcoming surgery ❤

[@BrendaJJ]

Hoping your upcoming surgery goes well ❤

[@kathleenbrown6734]

I am so sorry for your health problems. wishing safe recovery and a long life to live with your family.

[@judyh5052]

Praying for you Samantha! Stay strong❤️❤️

[@motherofthreeb6337]

😢😢😢 Hopefully, this surgery will get all the cancer! Best wishes!

[@wendycayless]

You mean get all the cancer in the breast. The surgery won't affect the cancer in Samantha's bones, sadly.

[@mindeverconscious4237]

I've been following your journey for a while, and i pray you are healed. You are such a brave fighter.

[@frandaniel886]

Sending you comfort and healing. ❤

[@schildca]

I am so sorry this is happening to you 💔 thanks for keeping us updated. Praying for your full recovery 🙏

[@jazinc]

Thanks so much for sharing your journey! Rooting for you!

[@kathystevens8163]

Samantha, one step forward, one step back. Blessing to you and your sweet family. Kick cancers butt... You can do this... 🙏⚘️⚘️

[@loishumphries2370]

Best wishes for your upcoming surgery stay strong ❤

[@SmilingBeaver-ou7nc]

Prayers and Comfort to You and Your Family ❤💙🧸

[@janetlist1747]

Thanks Samantha for the update ❤ sending love and prayers for you and your family xxx

[@JJ-be2qg]

You are a true warrior! I’m believing for your healing! ❤❤❤❤

[@donnacurry166]

I hope your treatment goes well. You’re so young. I had a bilateral mastectomy in Feb but mine was stage 1 and I didn’t need radiation or chemo. I’m almost 60. I feel for you and will remember you in my prayers

[@lashhimes2570]

Sending you healing thoughts! I hope your lumpectomy goes smoothly and you’re on the mend in record time.

[@carolynhall1302]

Keeping everything crossed for you xx

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you for the update! Hopefully you’ll recover fast after surgery! 🙏❤️🌷

[@juliekelderman4041]

Praying for you daily Samantha, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this.

[@kathymills1925]

Thank you for updating us. Continued prayers for you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rhondawhatley1591]

I'm so sorry Samantha will be praying that all goes well.

[@itsmahsa2541]

Wishing you all the best 😍. Thank you for keeping us informed of everything.

[@susanarmento2591]

Prayers coming your way! 🙏🏻

[@septembercindy]

Praying 🙏 for you and your family 🙏🙏💗🌸

[@debraj5540]

Always sending positive vibes to you and your family. ❤

[@marinatotduricic2087]

The plan sounds fine, removing the primary tumor cant hurt the process and if it had mutated, its better not to give it a chance to spread and be non responsive to treatment. I wish you all the best with the surgery and keeping my fingers crossed for some clues in the biopsy for a better treatment plan. ❤

[@melindataljaard2753]

Praying 🙏🏻 for you my dear.

[@terrijones5687]

Praying for you. 🙏 ❤

[@laurelmakula2835]

Still praying for you! You look good!

[@AmyStoneYT]

Praying that the surgery goes exceptionally well and you heal quickly 🙏🏻❤

[@Lalasuga124]

Praying for you!

[@Dmcsw-xg9cq]

❤wishing you the best!

[@CptBlysWife93]

Continued prayers! 🙏🏻🫂❤️

[@joanathompson7058]

Praying for complete healing

[@caroltravis5854]

Samantha, you are so amazing!! Sending you peace, good vibes and energy, and lots and lots of prayers. 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@carolinelvsewe]

Thank you for the update. Praying for surgery and recovery. Warms my heart to hear your daughter playing. 😊

[@41dee1976]

Sending prayers for fast recovery!!I have faith everything will go good and you will be able to hold your baby in no time❤️

[@diademglow3429]

There is much more good news than bad, sending ing prayers up for you.

[@pasulliv1]

Good luck on the surgery. Getting that tumor out has to help with cancer cells elsewhere in your body. My good wishes to you and your family. 🥰

[@thomasisbored9060]

I’m glad to hear that the cancer in your bones are going away. I am glad you are able to hear that you are able to get surgery to remove your tumor.

[@rosemaryroutte7379]

Samantha you are being so brave and handling everything so well. God bless you and your husband and daughter.

[@sandjblake75]

Thank you for the update Samantha. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers ❤from London UK

[@yvonnetengen158]

Blessings for healing!

[@leecarpender1269]

ur amazing! 🙏🏾You got this ur so strong and beautiful inside and out!

[@lindacraig5056]

prayers for your upcoming surgery and glad your down time wont be so long. I know it has to be hard with a toddler. Stay positive they will find the right treatment especially if your receptor has changed. Cancer doesn't play fair the way it keeps changing and over powering different medications and treatments that were working.

[@lelerussell3623]

You know how strong you are Samantha. You are going to get past this fast and be back laughing with your baby and Gray and you’ll feel better than ever. Sending you 🩷🩷🩷.

[@silvialogan9226]

Samantha, I am praying that the surgery will remove all the cancer from your breast and it will go well and you will be completely healed.

[@KendraWebber1830]

Wow that’s GREAT news!! I’m so happy for you that this treatment is showing improvement overall! And awesome about not having to have drains for this surgery! You got this!! ❤🎉

[@caitlinscancerchronicles6545]

Thanks for the update. I am praying that your recovery and surgery goes well. It’s so good you are doing so much better on the new meds. Cancer stinks though, Inwishbit wasn’t spreading but Indo hope they get it all dealt with.

[@sofiahammarsten8932]

You are so calm. And see all the positive in all the scary and new. Your babygirl has such a rolemodel in you. ❤

[@SamanthaL]

Aw thank you

[@lydiayoung7012]

Praying God gives you the knowledge and doctors to make the right choices on your cancer journey.

[@lesliejambon]

Good luck with surgery! This sounds like encouraging news and you look very healthy and radiant. ❤rock on butterfly 🦋

[@deborahvolz3591]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏I’m a survivor….God is with you on this journey. Praying surgery goes easily and your home soon! You are such a seeet mother to your darling baby girl❤️🥰

[@NoName-eo3kl]

Stay strong. Sending prayers for peace and guidance.

[@vilmavelazquez1979]

So glad to hear the good news! Pls keep us posted. Eager to know what the pathology report will say as far as why is resisting treatment. I’m praying for you 🙏🏻❤

[@sherrithomas4350]

You are doing it, Samantha! You look fabulous. Just taking care of a toddler can wear you down, and you are doing that and fighting cancer! Go you! ❤

[@WickedYogaDoll]

Breast Cancer Patient here... I am (was?) stage 2 but on Verzenio for 2 years and Exemestane for 10 years to reduce chances of recurrence... a lot of us are on these drugs whether we're stage 4 or not since recent studies show risk of recurrence is reduced but it's a hard road right! I'm so sorry you are going through this. It's so much harder with a little one! Take care

[@SamanthaL]

Yep, they are used to prevent reoccurence when the breast cancer is hormone positive! I hope you are doing well

[@doodleacademy]

Sending hugs, light, and prayers your way 🙏 Blessings to you 💛

[@gillianash3470]

Bless you angel your a beautiful strong mommy with a beautiful daughter xxxxx hugs and prayers for you xxxxxxxxxx❤

[@debfaulkner9142]

Samantha just do whats best for you, dont worry what others are saying negatively there not living your life, lots of hugs. Prayers always

[@amritgrewal3060]

Sending you lots of love and strength fellow pink sister 💕

[@rutebighaus8972]

Sending prayers and good wishes your way.

[@sheinacristerbagiwa8518]

Sending my Hugs and Prayers,Let's Stay Strong Ms. Samantha, We're unfortunate to struck by this major diseases but we don't have any other option other than to fight until the end.

[@lorileewalters2018]

I’ve been watching you since before you were diagnosed and you’re such a sweetie and I want you to know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love, hugs and prayers and positive energy and vibes💝☮️🫂🌸🙏🏼☀️🕊️🦋✝️🥰❣️❣️

[@chantalgates9018]

My dear Samantha, or as I call you My Warrior, I am so sorry about everything that cancer has brought to your body. I am so proud of you. You amaze me. I know that you will make all the right decisions for your life and that of your family especially that adorable daughter of yours. Big gentle virtual hugs to you and your daughter.❤❤❤ Chantal

[@kristensciarrillo2228]

Your absolutely Amazing Sam!! I have been following you since day 1! I love you to death!! You got this love!!!❤

[@kristimartinez7528]

Thank you for taking the time to educate us about this disease. It is very important information. Obviously, it's not a one size fits all. I am sure that you get tired of the ignorant comments and the same questions over and over again. Sending so much love to you and your family ❤️ 😮😊❤😊😊

[@rhondahelfrich2563]

Praying for you ❤ Thank you for sharing!

[@user-ig9ri5er1c]

Praying for best results…..prayers your way 🙏🙏……🚀

[@cityflyer12]

Hope all goes well for you 🙏

[@kathyarnusch7614]

Beautiful blue eyed girl, I hope today brings you smiles.