A few weeks before my 50th birthday, I went in for what I thought would be a routine mammogram. I felt perfectly healthy—no symptoms, no family history of breast cancer, no reason for concern. But that day changed my life. The screening revealed early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma.
The words felt unreal. How could this happen to me? I had always done everything right, yet suddenly, I found myself stepping into the world of breast cancer—one I never imagined I’d enter.
After surgery, my doctors recommended genomic testing to determine whether chemotherapy would be necessary. The first test, Oncotype, came back with a middle-range score—neither a clear yes nor no.
That uncertainty was unsettling. Then came the MammaPrint test, which offered clarity. It showed my cancer carried a high risk of recurrence, making chemotherapy essential.
The science gave me what I needed most: direction. I wanted to grow old with my husband, see my daughters build their lives, and one day, meet my grandchildren. So I faced the path ahead with courage and determination.
My doctors recommended ACT chemotherapy, an aggressive treatment plan often used for women just turning 50, followed by seven years of endocrine therapy.
Treatment was tough. There were moments of deep exhaustion and quiet fear. But each day, I reminded myself why I was doing this—for the life still ahead of me.
During this time, I connected with Agendia, the company behind the MammaPrint and BluePrint tests. They had played such a key role in my care, and when they invited me to share my story at a national sales meeting, I saw it as a beautiful opportunity to give back.
That single invitation changed my career. I began working with Agendia in patient advocacy, which evolved into a marketing role, and later into sales, where I’ve thrived for more than six years. What started as a diagnosis became a calling—to empower others through knowledge and science.
Life brought another challenge when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Everything I had learned as a patient helped me become his caregiver and partner through his journey.
Six years ago, I lost him. It was the hardest chapter of my life, but I carried his strength forward. His memory lives in everything I do—especially in how I approach each new day with gratitude and grace.
Today, my daughters are thriving, I have an amazing man to share life’s adventures with, and this past August brought me my greatest joy yet—my grandson, Oliver.
The future I fought so hard to see is finally here, filled with love, laughter, and purpose.
When I reflect on my journey, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—for the science that guided my care, for the people who stood by me, and for the second chance at life I was given.
Breast cancer changed my story, but it also opened doors I never expected—to help others, to find meaning, and to celebrate every beautiful moment.
To anyone just beginning this journey: hold on to hope. The road may be uncertain, but it can lead to extraordinary places filled with strength, love, and new beginnings.
At Learn Look Locate, we are deeply honored to share Cari’s incredible story of courage, faith, and resilience. Her journey shows the power of genomic testing and the hope that science and community can bring to those facing breast cancer.
If you’re interested in learning more about genomic testing, visit our educational resources to explore how these tools guide treatment decisions and empower patients worldwide.
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