Erin’s Journey: Treating Metastatic Breast Cancer at Phelps Health

In August of 2023, Rolla resident Erin Simon noticed a lump in her breast while breastfeeding. She initially dismissed it as a clogged duct, but her history of benign tumors prompted her to visit her obstetrician gynecologist (OB/GYN) at Phelps Health. Following her doctor's advice, she scheduled an ultrasound to check the lump. While waiting for the appointment, she started feeling pain in her upper right abdomen that spread to her shoulder. In late August, she went to the Emergency Department (ED) because her pain was getting worse. There, a CT scan showed multiple spots on her liver, revealing that the cancer had spread to other parts of her body.

“That was a huge shock,” said Erin, who was only 38 at the time of her diagnosis. “I was a deer in the headlights at that moment, rushing around to get additional scans.”

The following whirlwind of tests included multiple CT scans, a mammogram, ultrasounds and a biopsy. Ultimately, Erin was diagnosed with stage four metastatic triple-positive breast cancer, a late-stage breast cancer where the cancer has spread to distant organs and, in her case, her liver. Fortunately, her bones, lungs and brain remain clear, sparing her from even more invasive complications. Despite the diagnosis, Erin remains hopeful, empowered by the knowledge that being triple positive means she has multiple treatment options available.

After visiting with different oncologists in St. Louis, Erin’s journey brought her back home to Rolla to the Phelps Health Delbert Day Cancer Institute (DDCI), where she says she received excellent care.

“Everything at the DDCI has been top-notch,” she said. “The facility is nice, new and clean, but the people truly make the difference. They see me as a real person, not just another patient. They know my family, ask about my son and genuinely care about my well-being.”

She said her medical oncologist, Thomas Guerrero-Garcia, MD, framed her diagnosis not as a death sentence but as a chronic illness to manage.

“When I met with him [Dr. Guerrero] for our second opinion, I could tell immediately how kind he was,” said Erin. “He didn't give me any prognosis. He didn't tell me how long he expected me to live. He didn't look at me like I was already gone. He told me to keep planning my summers, and that was all the hope I needed.”

Since October 2023, Erin has been undergoing chemotherapy infusions every 3 weeks and immunotherapy to target the HER2 protein, a hallmark of her aggressive cancer type. She finished her active chemotherapy in May 2024 after 11 rounds. Now, she is in her maintenance phase, where she takes nightly hormone medication to suppress the hormones that feed her cancer.

Erin has tolerated the immunotherapy treatments remarkably well and has maintained a normal life despite her diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of the support she received from Phelps Health and the DDCI. The Cancer Gala & Co., a Rolla nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients, also helped Erin with one of her mortgage payments, which freed up their funds for medical bills. This financial support can alleviate stress for patients undergoing treatment and their families.

Despite the challenges, Erin maintains a positive outlook. “I tell people I’m fine—there’s nothing wrong with me,” she said. “I don’t feel sick, and I don’t look sick. I intend to live a normal life for as long as possible.”

Hair loss is one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy, adding to the emotional and physical challenges of treatment. Erin credits cold capping, a special cap that patients wear to chill the scalp, for helping her keep about 90% of her hair during chemotherapy. The tight rubber cap freezes the scalp, slows blood flow to the hair follicles and limits the amount of chemotherapy that can reach the hair.

Erin’s determination is evident as she approaches her treatment with a mindset focused on living fully.

“Metastatic breast cancer is not curable, but I don’t consider it terminal,” she clarifies. “I have many treatment options available, and until I run out of those options, I’ll keep fighting.”

Erin’s story also powerfully reminds us of the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

“Listen to your body,” she advises. “If something feels off, be your best advocate. Don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns.”  

Erin advises women to get checked regularly because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Her experience reinforces the need for self-awareness about health, particularly for those under 40 who may not routinely receive diagnostic testing.

As Erin continues her health journey, she remains grateful for the compassionate care she receives at the DDCI.

“I haven’t met a single person here who doesn’t genuinely care about my health and family,” she reflects. “You become a regular at your cancer institute, and it’s crucial to feel comfortable and trust your care team.”

Erin’s optimism is infectious, and she hopes her experience will inspire others to seek the care and support they need. With support from Phelps Health and the DDCI, Erin continues to embrace life, advocate for herself and guide others facing similar challenges.