GETTYSBURG, Pa. —
A mother from York County is transforming her terminal cancer diagnosis into a mission to support others.
Trisha Lane was featured in WGAL’s “Power of One” series last year, sharing her battle with stage four metastatic breast cancer. She found out she had cancer in 2020, and shortly after, was informed it had already spread.
Since that time, Lane has been undergoing treatment while providing updates on her condition through social media and pushing for more research focused on metastatic breast cancer.
“Just recently, I mentioned online that I had no evidence of disease,” Lane remarked. “That caused some confusion because many assumed I was cured or no longer receiving treatment. But that’s not the reality for someone living with metastatic breast cancer or stage four. We’re in continual treatment, always fighting, and things can change quickly.”
A changing scan, but treatment continues
This year, her scans initially showed no evidence of disease, but a recent check indicated slight progression. Thankfully, she noted that her treatment is keeping the situation under control.
“There has been a small progression, but my dosage has been increased, and it seems to be holding steady,” Lane explained. “I get a CT scan every three months to monitor any growth, and for now, that hasn’t happened. So, I’m trying to focus on living my life between those scans and appointments.”
Even if she appears healthy, Lane indicates that the disease and its treatment have a continuous impact on her.
“It’s not just killing cancer cells, but also affecting my healthy cells,” she stated. “Many assume that I’m well because I look healthy, have hair, and seem active. On the outside, I might look like an active 37-year-old woman, but it definitely takes a toll on my body in ways that aren’t immediately visible.”
Hope, legacy and advocacy
For Lane, her legacy revolves around her activism and her three children. Initially, doctors estimated she had only one to two years to live, yet she approaches the six-year mark since her diagnosis.
“The prognosis suggests I’m going to live much longer than expected, and we’re just taking it day by day,” she shared.
Breast Fest fundraiser this weekend
Lane is also gearing up for a charity event this weekend aimed at raising funds and awareness for metastatic breast cancer research.
The annual golf outing, known as Breast Fest, is set for Saturday, October 10, at The Links at Gettysburg. The day will feature morning and afternoon shotgun scrambles, coffee, lunch, a silent auction, raffle baskets, and an awards ceremony, running from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The event supports metastatic breast cancer research and families impacted by terminal cancer through Cancer Culture, a nonprofit Lane established. Over 175 golfers are already signed up for this year’s event.
“Cancer, though I don’t have it personally, affects everyone,” said Carrie Mosley, a volunteer for the event who has known Lane since childhood. “It’s touched my life through friends and family, and I believe it’s important for people to get involved with this cause.”
Lane expressed hope that attendees will feel inspired to take action.
“Every little bit helps. I want people to leave feeling empowered to get involved,” she said. “I hope those in the cancer community feel that support from volunteers and loved ones who want to stand by them.”
Why metastatic breast cancer research matters
Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor in the breast, spreading through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body parts. The most common sites for this spread are bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
It’s important to note that once it spreads, it remains breast cancer. For example, when breast cancer is found in the lungs, it’s treated as metastatic breast cancer rather than lung cancer. Similarly, breast cancer that spreads to the bones is still categorized as breast cancer.
While treatments exist to halt or stabilize the disease, metastatic breast cancer is notoriously difficult to treat.
“Unfortunately, those cancer cells remain,” Lane explained. “Once they resist a treatment, they can circulate again and deposit cancer in other areas. That’s why this diagnosis is so devastating—it’s terminal.”
The National Cancer Institute highlights that metastatic breast cancer often ceases to respond to certain medications over time, compelling patients to transition to other treatments. Additionally, some drugs may struggle to penetrate cancer located in particular organs, like the brain.
The survival statistics reveal challenges faced by patients like Trisha. The five-year relative survival rate is 99.3% when breast cancer is detected only in the breast, but it plummets to 31% once diagnosed after spreading.
These statistics derive from larger patient groups and don’t predict individual outcomes. They may also not fully account for newer treatment advancements.
“Metastatic breast cancer is the sole form of breast cancer that is terminal,” Lane pointed out. “That’s why it’s critical to fund research focused on better treatments and potential cures.”
Trisha considers managing metastatic breast cancer like a chronic disease a significant win.
“I think anyone would view living with this as a victory,” she remarked. “Even if we can’t find a cure, if I can stay here for my kids, to raise them—that’s what matters.”
Recent advancements illustrate why research and its funding are crucial. The aim extends beyond just prolonging life for those with metastatic breast cancer; it’s also about stopping initial breast cancer spread and ultimately identifying lasting treatments for every patient.
Trisha believes true change requires a community effort.
“It’s not just about me,” she stated. “I’m one of many. It takes each person coming together. So, it’s the collective power of everyone and how each individual can aid those in need.”
