Danielle Boudreau, a 31-year-old marketing specialist at Baptist Health Foundation, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in August 2023 after a small lump was found during her annual physical exam. Due to her mother's history of breast cancer at age 42, her general practitioner recommended an immediate mammogram, despite her being below the typical screening age of 40 for women without elevated risk. The mammogram led to an ultrasound and biopsy, which confirmed the TNBC diagnosis.
Following her diagnosis, Ms. Boudreau began chemotherapy in September 2023 at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute under the care of doctors including Dr. Stephen Sweriduk, Dr. Michael Swart, and Dr. Michelle Mendez. To mitigate hair loss during chemotherapy, she utilized a 'cold cap.' In December 2023, she underwent a lumpectomy.
Currently, Ms. Boudreau is undergoing radiation therapy as the final phase of her treatment plan. She is hopeful for a full recovery and plans to use her experience to advocate for early detection and awareness of breast cancer, emphasizing that age should not be a barrier to getting screened, especially with a family history. 'This is my fight, and I am going to win it,' she stated.
