From Diagnosis to Triumph: How WakeMed Helped 34-Year-Old Danielle Murray Take On Aggressive Breast Cancer and Win

In December 2024, 34-year-old Danielle Murray and her husband, Kevin Murray, were at a Christmas party enjoying the festivities of the holidays. Danielle, however, was distracted by nagging pain. 

"I had a lot of pain in my breast on the left side, which was not normal. It was a throbbing pain that came on suddenly that day and would not go away. After we returned home, I took a shower and performed a breast self-exam to make sure nothing was going on. I found a mass in my breast."

On December 19, the next day, Danielle made an appointment at a nearby urgent care facility. The provider performed a breast exam and felt the lump, which she said was about the size of a pea. She assured Danielle that it was likely a cyst, but they would order an ultrasound to be safe. 

Pain Lingers and the Lump Grows

As Danielle waited for the scheduled ultrasound three weeks later in mid-January 2025, she continued to have unremitting breast pain. 

"Not only was it painful, but the lump was growing larger. I began to fear what it could be."

At Raleigh Radiology, the provider began with a breast mammogram. Upon examining the results, the radiologist determined she would need an ultrasound. Following the ultrasound, the provider informed Danielle that she would need a biopsy. They explained that her results would be back within a couple of weeks and would be available in her MyChart account. They also informed her that they would call if the biopsy revealed a medical condition.

Startling Findings

"Friday evening, January 31, I was riding in the car with my husband when I received an email that my test results were available in MyChart. We pulled over on the side of the road. I opened the results that read 'invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, grade 3.' I didn't know what that meant, so I Googled the words — I had breast cancer."

The couple looked into each other's eyes, overwhelmed by the findings.

"I began to cry. We considered, of course, all the worst. Terrible thoughts raced through my mind. I was afraid I was going to die and leave behind my two young children who were only four and five."

On Monday morning, February 3, Danielle received a call from Raleigh Radiology. They discussed her test results and assured her that a breast surgeon would be her next best step to address and begin immediate treatment for the cancer. 

The Kindness of a Breast Surgeon Who Truly Cares

"A friend of mine works at WakeMed and highly recommended Lori Lilley, MD, FACS, as the top breast surgeon in the area. I asked Raleigh Radiology to refer me to her."

Danielle met with Dr. Lilley in early February and was immediately calmed by her bedside manner.

"Dr. Lilley is the best. Everybody says if you need breast cancer surgery, you want her. I agree. She was so kind and knowledgeable. She loves her patients, and I could tell she genuinely cared about me. She listened. She was very sympathetic and understanding. I knew within that first hour of meeting her that she would take good care of me."

Dr. Lilley informed Danielle that the cancer was fast growing, already four inches in diameter. It had also spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, so it was inoperable since it was too large. She referred Danielle to WakeMed breast oncologist, Pallavi Kopparthy, MD, to first shrink the tumor and dissolve it from the lymph nodes. Thereafter, Danielle would be able to move forward with surgery. 

Comprehensive Kindness Continues at WakeMed Cancer Care

Dr. Kopparthy performed a positron tomography (PET) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to target the baseline of the cancer. She then scheduled Danielle for six rounds of Herceptin, Perjeta, Taxotere and Carboplatin chemotherapy every three weeks. She also talked to Danielle about cold capping to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy.

"I was very happy that I could do cold capping. A friend of mine had breast cancer as well, and she did cold capping. I saw the success that she had. I received the caps and the instructions with a very detailed plan on how to use them based on my treatment. I put my cap on an hour before chemotherapy and then wore it for the four hours of chemo followed by an additional five hours, so it was on for about ten hours each time I had chemotherapy. It made the days feel long, but I didn't lose my hair."

As a first-grade teacher, Danielle also had to immediately stop teaching since it was the height of flu season, her immune system was weakened — and young children harbor numerous germs.

At the start of treatment, Danielle's two young children contracted the flu, so her husband's parents had to keep the children at their house for two weeks.

"It was a whirlwind of change, and it was hard. I was home alone without my children since they were initially at my in-laws, and once they returned home, my husband and I decided to keep them in daycare and not upset their schedules. Plus, the chemo made me feel extremely tired, so I spent quite a bit of time resting and sleeping. My tastebuds were shot. Everything tasted awful. Other times, I couldn't taste anything at all for up to week."

Throughout treatment, Danielle would experience various issues with side-effects. Dr. Kopparthy urged her to share any symptoms, so they could provide options to alleviate them. By May, Danielle was stir crazy sitting around the house. She missed her students and wanted a chance to wish them well before the school year ended. 

"I begged Dr. Kopparthy to let me go back to work as well as skip my last chemo treatment. We'd done scans throughout my chemotherapy, and in the final path, there was no tumor left — I had a complete response, so I wanted to finish the end of school. Plus, flu season was pretty much over. With these facts in mind, Dr. Kopparthy let me go back May 1 and finish the remaining weeks of school."

Dr. Kopparthy adds, "Danielle is a teacher, and it was evident from our very first meeting that she wanted to get back to teaching as soon as possible. This was very important for her mental well-being as well. To allow her to do this, we looked at injections for her adjuvant treatment instead of infusions."

Surgery and Time to Recover

On June 20, Danielle returned to Dr. Lilley for a bilateral double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery with expanders at Cary Hospital. 

"The surgery took about five hours. When I awoke, it was a tough recovery, but I was ready to get back to my life."

Dr. Lilley was glowing heading into Danielle's surgery. 

She shares, "Danielle had a complete response to her oncology treatment. It was exciting to see!"

Within two weeks, Danielle had the drains removed, and she began to feel much better. 

"Once the drains came out, I felt like a normal person because those drains were very constricting. I couldn't do a lot and with movement, I hurt. After they came out, I felt like a brand-new woman."

Danielle was off for six weeks of summer and returned to work in time for the start of the new school.

Back to School, Back to Loving Life

While her cancer is in remission, Danielle currently receives immunotherapy once every three weeks and will continue through March 2026. 

"I got lucky. I'm doing a shot instead of infusions, which is really nice because I didn't get a port when I started all of this. I decided to use my veins, so I was able to get a shot. The shot takes about five minutes versus two hours for an infusion. I get a little sore the day after the shot. It's no different than the irritation of a regular flu shot."

Since returning to work with full energy, Danielle has found a new zest for life.

"I appreciate my job more. I'm happy to be around other people. I was isolated all winter. It was miserable. I was very lonely because my husband worked, and my kids were at daycare. Everyone's lives went on, but mine stopped. I'm glad to be back to normal."

Dr. Kopparthy considers it a privilege to have walked with Danielle throughout her treatment journey and as they continue to deliver preventative maintenance. 

She offers, "With today's advances in molecular and biomarker testing, we tailor treatment to the exact features of each cancer. This means breast cancer treatment has become much more personalized, and we no longer treat "breast cancer" as one disease — but focus on treating the whole patient.

"Danielle achieved a complete pathological response to the treatment she was given prior to surgery. This is because of availability of HER 2 targeted therapies that have transformed HER 2 positive breast cancer from one of the most aggressive forms into one with excellent survival rates. Treatments are unique to each patient — their genes, tumor biology and life goals — rather than a generic pathway. I'm delighted to see Danielle thriving today."

Reflections on the Most Compassionate Care

Danielle is also incredibly grateful for her oncologist, Dr. Kopparthy.

"She's wonderful. So many times, I cried in her office, and she was a calming presence, never rushing me. She advocated for me and always found a solution for any side effects. At one point, I told her I was having joint pain from the growth factor shot. She was super sweet and said, 'Let's not do that one.' I had to drive three days a week to get the alternative medication, but I had no more pain. She also knew I didn't want to endure immunotherapy infusions, so she allowed me to get the shot. I really appreciate her and all she's done for me."

Additionally, she realizes the time spent at WakeMed Cancer Care – Waverly Hematology & Medical Oncology – Cary was well tolerated because of the other members of the team. 

"Julia, the nurse navigator, was just so calm, even though I'd call her emotional and completely flabbergasted about something. She'd assure me that it was going to be okay. The entire team was like her. No one ever dismissed me. They validated my feelings. I'm grateful for each and every person who cared for me at WakeMed."

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About WakeMed Breast Surgery

We know the worry and stress that comes after an abnormal mammogram or the identification of an issue with your breast that raises a concern. That’s why our breast surgery team is dedicated to offering coordinated care, prompt appointments and swift intervention. 

A diagnosis is the start of a journey and we’re here every step of the way for our patients to provide the medical and surgical care they need with the care and compassion that they deserve.

About WakeMed Cancer Care – Hematology & Medical Oncology

At WakeMed Cancer Care, we understand that being diagnosed with a blood disorder or cancer can feel overwhelming. Recognizing the fear and uncertainty a patient may be experiencing, we are committed to walking alongside our patients, to support, guide and render the most compassionate care for as long as we’re needed.

The most important member of our community is you. That’s why we created a community of caregivers who surround our patients with proven medical and surgical expertise, state-of-the-art-technology, world-class nursing care, advanced physical rehabilitation services and specialized support services.

No matter your condition or stage, our multidisciplinary team treats your cancer with the latest technologies and the highest standards of clinical quality.

About WakeMed Imaging

We know the worry and stress that comes after an abnormal mammogram or the identification of an issue with your breast that raises a concern. That’s why our WakeMed Imaging Services is a full-service imaging department offering advanced technology, convenient access and prompt testing and results. As professionals who have a true passion for care and caring, we focus on providing excellent, individualized service to each patient.