In an interview with WISC-TV, UW Health nurse Loree Nelson, RN, discussed her personal journey with breast cancer - a condition she was already immersed in for her life's work as a nurse, but one she never expected to personally experience. 

After noticing a lump two years ago, she initially delayed following up with a mammogram. When the mammogram found multiple lumps, a biopsy confirmed Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. 

She is now focusing on managing the condition as a "forever fighter," in her words. 

Also interviewed for the story was Mark Burkard, MD, PhD, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. Dr. Burkard described a study he is leading on longevity in metastatic breast cancer patients like Nelson. Some of his patients with advanced breast cancer have been "outliers," surviving their diagnosis for more than 40 years. Researchers are trying to understand why.

"I don't think we have a specific reason yet," said Dr. Burkard. "We just started with 15 of our patients at UW in Wisconsin and now we’re looking worldwide to find enough people to understand the fundamental driver of their long survival."

His team hopes to survey a total of 2,000 "medically extraordinary" long-term survivors by looking at their genetics, past treatments, immune system, diet, and lifestyle to find the similarities that help them live longer lives.

In the future, he said, "Honestly, it's more likely we'll be able to manage breast cancer as a chronic disease." 

Resources:

• "UW Health nurse reaches out to breast cancer patients as she battles the disease herself," WISC-TV, May 4, 2018
• "New study investigates long-term survivors of metastatic breast cancer," Department of Medicine, August 21, 2017
• "Clinical study of 'extreme' breast cancer survivors begins," Department of Medicine, May 30, 2018