Minal’s Story

Site created on October 4, 2011


Dear Friends and Family,So I'm sure many of you are wondering how someone my age with no family history of breast cancer ends up with this diagnosis. I've been wondering the same thing, but fortunately the prognosis is good and we are now focused on the treatment and recovery. 


Because so many of you are in the medical arena I will probably give details than necessary but you can skip around at your leisure.


This all began a few months ago when I noticed a lump in my left breast. I was still breastfeeding Jasmine so I just thought it was a clogged milk duct and initially ignored it. After a few months of no change in size, I went to my OB/Gyn to get an annual exam and have her evaluate it. She referred me to a breast surgeon who did an ultrasound in the office which showed about a 3cm mass with some calicifications. She then scheduled me for a mammogram and a more thorough ultrasound in radiology. My mammogram was pretty concerning with an area of 8cm x 5cm 4cm of calcifications plus some calcifications in the axilla. The other ultrasound showed a 3cm mass in the lower quadrant, 1cm area in the upper quadrant and no abnormalities in the lymph nodes. I had a breast biopsy in the office that same day and found out the following day that the pathology showed invasive ductal carcinoma of intermediate grade plus some areas of ductal carcinoma in situ. Needless to say we were shocked to hear the diagnosis. The following day I had a CT-PET scan which only showed the 3cm mass lighting up (suggesting cancer) and no activity anywhere else in the body (no lymph nodes or metastasis). So that was good news. All the tests were intermingled with lots of long talks with doctors, family, and friends to come up with the treatment plan. So the plan right now is chemo first (Adriamycin and Cytoxan for 4 doses every 2 weeks followed by Taxol every week x 12), then surgery (not sure yet exactly what type), and then radiation for 6 weeks. So thanks to everyone that listened and/or offered advice during that time.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Minal Hollowell

(from Matt) It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Minal passed away peacefully in her sleep last night, April 20, 2021. She had been under Hospice care for the past two weeks after discovering that her cancer had spread to her peritoneum and brain. We were able to spend some wonderful time with family and friends, where we told stories, laughed a lot, and cried numerous tears. She was ready to start a new adventure, so we are grateful that her passing was peaceful and free of pain. We had a beautiful Hindu ceremony at our house, and there will be a Celebration of Life ceremony next month.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Camp Kesem at https://donate.kesem.org/hollowell . Camp Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer, at no cost to families.

Thank you all for your love and support throughout her journey fighting this terrible disease. We can feel you all, and we cherish your thoughts, prayers, mantras, vibes, and energy. Your support and spirit has meant so much to her.

--Matt

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Minal Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Minal's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top