Jamie Lieberman

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patient Stories

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Breast Cancer Patient Stories

In her efforts to become an activist for IBC, Jamie attended the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition's Annual Conference with her physician, Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, one of the presenters.

Jamie Lieberman had big plans the year she turned 34.  She and boyfriend Andy Chonofsky had bought a house in April 2010 and the plan was to marry and start a family. 

The couple had to put their dreams on temporary hold when Jamie noticed an unusual hardness in her breast. She went for a mammogram and ultrasound and then to a surgeon for a needle biopsy. “It was a very scary experience.”  The diagnosis was stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.  A pre-school teacher with boundless energy, Jamie held it together by tackling one step of her treatment at a time. 

Jamie began her treatment at a New Jersey hospital near her home. Her aunt, a doctor who was visiting from out of town, sat in on one of Jamie's doctor's appointments and took special note when she heard them mention inflammatory breast cancer. Through an extensive online search, her aunt discovered Massimo Cristofanilli, MD, FACP, one of the nation's leading specialists and researchers in inflammatory breast cancer, who was on staff at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

He confirmed the clinical diagnosis after examining Jamie and reviewing all of her tests. "We knew right away that we wanted him on my treatment team," she recalled. "He has such a comforting way about him. He is very calming and an expert in his field. With him, I know I'm in great hands."

When it became apparent that Jamie’s tumor wasn’t responding to the chemotherapy she was being administered, Dr. Cristofanilli partnered with Jamie's local oncologist. "He literally came up with the chemo cocktail that saved my life," said Jamie.  The treatment worked, and Jamie's tumor shrunk.

On May 12, Jamie underwent a double mastectomy and 10 lymph nodes removed.  The pathology report was excellent - her margins were clear. Because of Jamie's young age, Dr. Cristofanilli recommended that she complete five weeks of twice daily radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence. Her last treatment was July 29, 2011.  "I was so excited to be done," she recalled.  

“I am incredibly grateful to the team of doctors that helped save my life.”

"I am so lucky and fortunate to have such a strong support system of both family and friends who have helped me through this process," said Jamie. She continues to be monitored regularly by Dr. Cristofanilli. However, she is well aware aware that inflammatory breast cancer has a higher rate of recurrence than traditional breast cancer, which is why she is working directly with Dr. Cristofanilli and Fox Chase to raise awareness and educate people about inflammatory breast cancer. 

Meanwhile, Jamie is happy to get back to those dreams that were put on hold and start planning a wedding. "Andy held my hand every step of the way and I can't wait to say I do!"