When Simone Herbin-Canty felt a strange heaviness in her left breast in early 2024, she trusted her intuition enough to finally schedule the mammogram she'd been postponing for years. That decision led to a diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer, a type that grows quickly but responds well to targeted therapies. Today, after completing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and reconstructive surgery, Simone is cancer-free and using her experience to transform how cancer patients receive care and support.

Simone's story illustrates a critical gap in cancer care: the emotional and practical isolation many patients face during treatment. When she arrived for her first chemotherapy infusion in March 2024, fear nearly overwhelmed her. But a nurse named Sandy changed everything by simply holding her hand and saying, "You don't know me, but you have to trust me. I've got you." That moment of human connection inspired Simone to launch Chemo Buddy, a company dedicated to ensuring no one undergoes chemotherapy alone.

What Makes HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Different?

HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of all breast cancers. The HER2 protein acts like a growth accelerator on cancer cells, making them multiply faster than other types. However, this same characteristic makes the cancer highly treatable because doctors have developed therapies that specifically target and block HER2.

"Simone was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. This means the cancer cells have a protein called HER2 that helps them grow quickly. While it can be more aggressive, it's also highly treatable because we have therapies that specifically target those proteins," explained Dr. Nicole Melchior, breast surgical oncologist at Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program.

Dr. Nicole Melchior, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program

Simone's treatment plan began with chemotherapy and immunotherapy administered every three weeks to shrink the tumor before surgery. In August 2024, after completing her initial treatment, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) and lymph node removal, followed by immediate breast reconstruction. The surgical team used tissue expanders, temporary implants gradually filled with fluid to stretch the skin and create space for permanent implants, minimizing her time under anesthesia and allowing for cosmetic reconstruction in a single procedure.

The results exceeded expectations. When doctors examined the tissue removed during surgery, they found no active cancer cells remaining, a result called complete pathologic response. This outcome reflects not only the effectiveness of modern cancer therapies but also Simone's positive attitude and strong family support throughout her treatment.

How to Support Your Health and Catch Cancer Early?

• Schedule Regular Mammograms: Women with average breast cancer risk should begin screening mammograms at age 40, according to oncology experts. Those with a family history or other risk factors should discuss earlier screening with a breast surgeon, as some women qualify to start at a younger age and may benefit from additional testing beyond standard mammography.
• Trust Your Body's Signals: Simone's intuition about the heaviness in her breast led her to seek medical evaluation. Any unusual changes in breast tissue, lumps, dimpling, or discharge warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider, even if you're unsure whether it's serious.
• Build a Supportive Care Team: Simone's multidisciplinary team included a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, plastic surgeon, and nursing staff. Having coordinated care from multiple specialists improves outcomes and ensures all aspects of treatment, from tumor removal to reconstruction, are addressed comprehensively.
• Prioritize Preventive Health Appointments: Simone had postponed her gynecologic exam, annual physical, and labs for years while raising six children. Setting aside time for routine health screenings, even when life feels busy, can catch diseases at earlier, more treatable stages.

Why Early Detection Matters for Breast Cancer Outcomes

Mammograms are invaluable screening tools because they can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective and less invasive. Simone's mammogram revealed not only the primary tumor but also swollen lymph nodes under her arm, information that guided her surgical and systemic treatment plan. Early detection allowed her medical team to use targeted therapies that eliminated her cancer entirely.

"We encourage all women with an average breast cancer risk to schedule screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history or other risk factors, you would benefit from a risk assessment with a breast surgeon, since some women qualify to start breast screening at a younger age and may also qualify for additional testing beyond their mammogram," stated Dr. Nicole Melchior.

Dr. Nicole Melchior, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program

Beyond the medical aspects of her recovery, Simone's willingness to share her journey publicly is reshaping how cancer patients view their diagnosis and treatment. She filmed her husband gently shaving her head as her hair fell out from chemotherapy, embracing the visible changes rather than hiding them. "I was either going to live in the dark or the light. And I chose the light," she said. This openness has made her a powerful advocate, helping other women preparing for breast reconstruction surgery by showing them her results and replacing fear with hope.

Simone's advocacy extends to encouraging women to prioritize their own health. She now works as a certified health coach and uses her platform to remind women that scheduling a mammogram is not selfish; it's an investment in their families and communities. "I'm using my experience to be a force," Simone said. "I will carry this torch as high and as bright as possible for every woman facing breast cancer, and for every woman we have lost".

Her story demonstrates that a breast cancer diagnosis, while serious, is not a death sentence. With early detection, targeted treatment, skilled surgical care, and emotional support, many patients achieve complete recovery and go on to live full, meaningful lives while helping others navigate the same journey.