Stories of ICRF: Jen Goldman

As a “survivor-thriver,” can you tell us about your diagnosis and treatment?

I was diagnosed in the summer of 2018, although I almost wasn’t. I had noticed dimpling in my left breast that at an initial appointment with my OB/GYN was dismissed. A couple of weeks later, I felt a lump in the same area and choosing to be my own advocate, I returned to see a different doctor who immediately sent me for a mammogram (my first ever) and ultrasound, and subsequent biopsy. Upon learning that I had a malignancy, I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node resection revealed that the cancer had spread to my sentinel node. This information, coupled with my age, led my oncologist to recommend aggressive treatment consisting of 20 rounds of chemo, which would later be followed by six weeks of radiation, hormone therapy infusions, lupron injections and Tamoxifen. Throughout my chemo I wore a cold cap, which helped me retain roughly 70 percent of my hair. At every treatment I had a rotating cast of characters there to keep me company, keep each other company, and just support me throughout the journey.

Having just completed an ICRF Half Marathon, it sounds like you have made a wonderful recovery! Can you describe your life these days?

Life these days is totally normal. I’m surprised by how far away this experience all seems, and yet I have daily reminders in some form or another of what I went through. I began running during the pandemic and didn’t realize how much I needed to regain a sense of control over my body until I completed my first half marathon. When I was approached by the ICRF to join their inaugural NYC Half Marathon team, I jumped at the chance!

You have a special relationship with ICRF. Can you elaborate?

No one wants to be part of this club, but that being said I was lucky that one person I now share this experience with is my aunt, Andrea Greene. She was an invaluable resource and fervent cheerleader to have in my corner. She and my uncle, Robert, are deeply involved with ICRF. Because of them, over the past 15 years or so I’ve attended various ICRF events and have been aware of the life-saving work of this organization. Now as a “survivor-thriver,” my personal connection with ICRF has evolved naturally.

Learn more about the breast cancer research ICRF is funding here