Law school, diapers, and Stage 4 cancer

At age 32, Christina McAmis had a new baby and young twins. She had also recently begun law school.

Life was good.

Then, while breastfeeding, she noticed a small lump near her breastbone.

Concerned, she went to see Claudia De Young, MD, an internist who specializes in breast health, at the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center. After several biopsies, McAmis received a diagnosis: Stage 4 breast cancer.

The cancer had spread beyond the breast to the surrounding lymph nodes and the sternum.

“Initially, it was straight shock,” McAmis said. “The only thing I could focus on was my family and putting one foot in front of the other.”

A team comes together

McAmis’ cancer was far beyond the scope of one doctor.

A team came together to guide her care. It included a surgeon, an oncologist, an ob-gyn, a psychologist, and a social worker. This team-based approach is a hallmark of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.

Given the aggressiveness of McAmis’ cancer, her doctors recommended an aggressive response. Her treatment included chemotherapy followed by surgeries to remove her breasts, ovaries, and uterus.

Through it all, McAmis was supported by her Kaiser Permanente team. And she didn’t quit law school.

“I had my ovaries removed 8 days before my law school final. Then 4 weeks later I went in to complete my mastectomy,” she explained.

During treatment, Dr. De Young, who leads a cancer survivorship program, was crucial to McAmis’ emotional strength.

“Dr. De Young was my go-to person for anxiety,” McAmis said. “If I was confused about a test result, she was there. She helped me find resources when I was too weak to carry my backpack at school. She was amazing.”

Care that carried her forward

McAmis graduated law school at the top of her class in 2018. Dr. De Young was in attendance.

While Dr. De Young has cared for many patients, she holds a special place in her heart for McAmis.

“Christina is a beautiful example of resilience and the power of the human spirit,” Dr. De Young said.

Today, McAmis is a successful franchise and estate lawyer. She receives ongoing treatment and support from her care team.

And, she has no evidence of active cancer.