This Florida Mom Shares Why She Has ‘So Much Hope’ in the Face of Her Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

**Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer: An Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Hope**

Casey Liening, a 35-year-old public information officer for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, is not new to the world of breast cancer advocacy. Her journey began in her teenage years, when she witnessed her mother endure extensive treatment for the disease. “I remember the breast surgeon saying to me, ‘The mass is the size of your entire breast,’” Liening recalled, reflecting on the devastating diagnosis she faced two years ago.

At the age of 32, Liening learned that she had Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, a development that shocked and disheartened her family and friends. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Liening is committed to sharing her story to inform and empower other women, particularly those facing similar battles. “There’s so much hope,” she asserted, determined to inspire those who might feel hopeless in the face of such a diagnosis.

Liening’s story took a tragic turn when she discovered a lump in her breast in September 2021. Initially, her concerns were dismissed by her primary care doctor, who insisted that she was too young for breast cancer. Nevertheless, referencing her family history, Liening persisted in requesting a mammogram. Faced with insurance complications, she secured an appointment for the procedure, but the initial results proved inconclusive.

After a series of follow-up appointments, it became clear that her concerns were valid. Liening experienced significant back pain over the following months, leading her to seek out a new physician who took her seriously. This doctor referred her for an MRI, which, after further waiting, revealed abnormal findings. The lump had grown substantially, reaching nearly eight centimetres in size.

Upon receiving her diagnosis, Liening was engulfed by a mix of anger and resignation. “I think I knew as soon as I felt that back pain that the cancer was probably not just in the breast,” she said. Despite having been proactive about her health, she felt let down by the medical professionals who had dismissed her earlier warnings. The diagnosis meant not only a life-altering change for Liening but also impacted her dreams of motherhood, as her treatment would prevent her from carrying a child.

With her family’s future in balance, Liening and her husband, Mike, sought to preserve their chances of parenthood through IVF before she commenced treatment. Liening initiated her regimen in June 2023, and remarkably, she has been responding well to targeted therapy combined with hormone treatments. More than a year later, she received encouraging news: scans showed “no evidence of active disease,” with her tumours completely disappearing, a significant milestone in her battle against cancer.

Beyond her medical fight, Liening’s journey has also led to the blessing of motherhood. When she learned of an opportunity to adopt a child in December 2023, just six months after her diagnosis, she and her husband were overjoyed. However, the adoption process was fraught with challenges, including a setback where their application was denied, allegedly due to Liening’s medical condition. Despite the difficulties, the couple appealed the decision and ultimately prevailed.

Reflecting on the difficult times, Liening shared that there were moments when she doubted whether she would live to see her dreams of becoming a mother fulfilled. Yet, the adoption switched her perspective entirely. Their daughter, who is now nearly three, has brought immense joy and motivation into Liening’s life. “She is my little best friend,” Liening said, emphasising the love and hope their child brings to their family.

Liening’s journey underscores a broader issue in the realm of breast cancer awareness and research. While Stage 4 breast cancer remains a formidable challenge, Liening finds hope in advancements in treatments and research. She reflects on the increased options now available for those with metastatic breast cancer compared to just a decade ago, when diagnoses often felt like a death sentence.

The medical landscape has evolved significantly, with numerous targeted therapies and clinical trials paving the way for promising outcomes. “There’s always hope,” Liening insists. Through her advocacy and personal journey, she aims to shed light on the importance of persistent self-advocacy in healthcare settings and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

As she continues on her journey with her family and during her ongoing treatment, Casey Liening’s resilience serves as an inspiration to many, offering a message that even in the darkest times, there is always a reason to fight.