Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in, but you’re not alone. At UPMC, our caring team is here to help and support you throughout your journey. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you. As you get started, here are a few helpful questions to ask during your first consultation: - What kind of tumor do I have, and how big is it? - Will I need any other tests before starting treatment? - Are there other specialists I should talk to as part of my care team? (fb)

At just 25, Megan C. of Canonsburg, Pa., has proven her strength through a challenging medical journey. Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in middle school after discovering a lump on her hand, she began treatment at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh under the care of Daniel Kietz, MD. With a regimen that included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, methotrexate (MTX), and eventually Humira injections, Megan was able to manage her condition and thrive through high school and college. But in August 2023, Megan’s life took another unexpected turn. What started as numbness in her feet during routine walks soon progressed to her legs and hands. Concerned, she was referred to the UPMC Neurological Institute at UPMC Presbyterian for further evaluation. An MRI was ordered, and the results were urgent. “As my mom and I were driving home from the MRI, I got a call asking me to go to the emergency room as soon as possible,” Megan recalls. “That’s when everything got real.” After a sleepless night in the ER, Megan met with neurologist Ingrid Loma-Miller, MD, who delivered the diagnosis: multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the protective covering of nerves. For Megan, just 23 at the time, the news was devastating. “It was absolutely terrifying,” she says. “I was so upset for months — in a bad place mentally and physically. It was so hard.” Megan began treatment with steroid infusions, followed by plasmapheresis at UPMC Mercy to remove harmful antibodies. She then started infusion therapy at UPMC’s MS clinic, initially intensive but now administered every six months to help slow disease progression. At this point, Megan is confident in proclaiming herself symptom-free, with no lesions and fading signs of MS. She credits her recovery to expert medical care, unwavering support from her parents, and compassionate nurses who treated her as more than just a patient. Embracing a healthier lifestyle such as daily walks, balanced meals, and therapy also played a key role in her healing. “I have such a great outlook on life now — I cherish time with people more and feel like I’m living life to the fullest,” she says. “I want to show people that there are so many modern advancements with MS today that it is possible to thrive even with this diagnosis. I’m living proof of it!” (fb)