Diagnosis at 32

Amanda Butler found a breast lump in July 2022 at age 32 and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

Initial doctor's reassurance

Her doctor initially said the lump was likely a cyst and recommended follow-up tests.

“Oh, it moves around. This is great. It's probably a cyst.”

Cancer diagnosis

She received a cancer diagnosis after a biopsy confirmed stage 2 breast cancer.

“Hey Amanda, we got your biopsy results in, but we would love for you to come in tomorrow morning or as soon as you can to get these results”

Career impact

Her fitness career and training roles were disrupted by the cancer diagnosis.

“My career is fitness.”

Fertility concerns

She prioritized egg freezing for motherhood but faced challenges with cancer treatment timing.

“My number-one priority has always been creating a family.”

First egg freezing attempt

She switched oncologists to preserve eggs before chemotherapy due to fertility risks.

“But you want to pass your BRCA2 gene down to your children?”

Fertility clinic issues

Her clinic failed to provide clear timelines or explain egg retrieval procedures for cancer patients.

“It was a mess from start to finish.”

Egg retrieval challenges

Egg retrieval caused severe pain and side effects that lasted two weeks post-procedure.

“The egg retrieval itself was really physically difficult and much more painful, for much longer, than I'd anticipated.”

Chemo and recovery

She experienced significant side effects from chemotherapy and egg retrieval combined.

“My belly was distended for two weeks.”

Timeline for motherhood

She must wait at least two years after chemotherapy to use frozen eggs for pregnancy.

“It's advised to hold off on having kids until at least two years after stopping chemotherapy.”

Mental health support

She created a virtual support group to cope with the emotional toll of cancer and fertility treatments.

“I've also become way more public about my experiences online and created a virtual support group called Cancer Baddies.”