Breast Cancer Survivor Finds New Mission Following Diagnosis

At 35 years old, Charlotte de Brabandt moved from Switzerland to Boston, Massachusetts. She was excited for a new adventure and an opportunity to grow in her career. But after just three months in Boston, she received news that changed her life. She was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer, a very rare, aggressive type that requires an aggressive treatment plan.

Trusting her gut to find a diagnosis

Charlotte’s cancer journey began while on a family vacation. She noticed a pain in her left breast, along with swelling and a feeling of heaviness. The skin on that breast had changed, too. It was reddened, warm to the touch, and had a thick texture like an orange peel.

Initially, Charlotte wasn’t concerned. She didn’t have a family history of cancer and had a normal, routine medical exam before leaving Switzerland. And unlike a typical lump that’s often a first symptom of breast cancer, the symptoms Charlotte experienced were different. However, her symptoms came on suddenly and got worse quickly.

After undergoing multiple tests, including mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and MRIs, she was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer. This means Charlotte had a type of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) that tested negative for estrogen and progesterone hormones and for a protein called HER2. If a breast cancer does not have estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR), and also do not have much of the HER2 protein, the cancer is considered to be triple-negative breast cancer or TNBC.

“The moment I heard ‘stage III inflammatory breast cancer,’ my world stopped. I was young, full of energy and ambition, and suddenly, I was faced with a life-threatening diagnosis. My first thoughts were about survival: how much time I had, what treatments were available, and how I could fight this disease,” Charlotte said.

Treatment journey begins

Charlotte’s treatment began right away and is ongoing. Her treatment plan has included immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation. The goal was to shrink the tumor before deciding on surgery and further treatment. Charlotte has since had a left mastectomy and will continue treatment based on how her body responds. Every decision has been made to give Charlotte the best possible outcome while reducing the risk of her cancer coming back.

“At the prime of my career and the heart of my life’s journey, receiving a stage III triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis changed everything in an instant. There was no time to prepare or pause to consider the long-term consequences,” she said.

For example, fertility is often affected by cancer treatments.

“I had not frozen my eggs, and the immediate start of treatment meant sacrificing not only my sense of control but also the potential future of the children I had envisioned,” she said.

Treatment made Charlotte feel physically and emotionally exhausted. She experienced brain fog, fatigue, nausea, and weakness, which made everyday tasks difficult. Charlotte lost her long hair and experienced changes to her body, which affected her self-image. She became overwhelmed.

“The loss was immense. Not just the physical toll of treatment but also the deeply personal impact on my identity as a young woman in a professional setting. Losing my hair in a business world where presence, confidence, and perception matter was an emotional battle. But beyond that, losing my breast at such a young age felt like a painful stripping away of femininity, a stark reminder that my body was no longer my own but a battlefield for survival,” she said.

To help ease her fears and educate herself, Charlotte found American Cancer Society (ACS) resources online and connected with ACS through their 24/7 helpline. She was determined to learn as much as possible about her rare form of breast cancer, treatment options, side effects, and new medical advances being studied. 

Family and community support

Despite being on the other side of the world and in a different time zone, Charlotte's family in Switzerland was her biggest support system. Her brother and partner both immediately stepped away from their own commitments to stand by Charlotte’s side through every step of her cancer journey, making sure she never felt alone. She credits their love, encouragement, and belief in her for helping to keep her going.

“I worried about my future, my loved ones, and whether my body would respond to treatment. But through all this, I found the inner strength I never knew I had,” she said.

Charlotte also discovered a new purpose, dedicating herself to advocacy, public speaking, and supporting others during cancer treatment. Charlotte found support in the cancer community, connecting with other thrivers and survivors who understood her experiences. Charlotte has spoken at various ACS events and was a keynote speaker at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Boston in October 2024. She continues to be involved in the walk and is now on the event leadership team.

Charlotte’s treatment plan includes getting regular tests to determine how her body is responding to ongoing treatments. Recently, she received good news with a negative CT scan, a clear sign that her treatment is working.

“Life has changed in ways I never imagined, but in the midst of loss, I have found a new mission: to empower, educate, and stand strong for those who walk this path after me,” she said.