A series of life-changing trials for Isabelle Robert

A first battle against hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer

A few weeks later, the diagnosis came: hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. The shock was immense. Shortly after receiving the diagnosis, she met with her medical team. Surgery was performed to remove part of her breast. This was followed by chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments at the CHUS under the supervision of Dr. Sawyna Provencher.  

Due to her young age at the time of diagnosis and because 13 of her 15 removed lymph nodes were affected, doctors recommended genetic testing. The results revealed that she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation, which is associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers. To reduce this risk, she underwent major preventive surgery in 2012 to remove her uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.  

Over the years, Isabelle Robert has benefited from rigorous medical follow-up to monitor her breast cancer risk, which includes alternating mammograms and MRIs. This close monitoring has proven invaluable. Fifteen years after her first diagnosis, an MRI detected a new abnormality. A biopsy confirmed a second breast cancer, this time triple-negative. She had to undergo a double mastectomy and receive further chemotherapy treatments.

Raising awareness for the next generation

Despite the challenges, Isabelle Robert emphasizes the importance of breast cancer screening, prevention, and paying attention to signs and changes in the breast. A message that takes on a very special meaning today in her role as a mother.

Since she carries the BRCA2 gene, her daughter was invited to begin preventive monitoring at the age of 22. During an ultrasound, doctors discovered a lump in her breast. Even though the initial results seemed reassuring, Isabelle was immediately worried. After a biopsy, the family finally learned that the mass was benign.

"Honestly, finding out my daughter had a lump scared me even more than my two cancers. I would never want her to have to go through what I did."  

Today, having rebuilt her life, returned to work, and looking toward the future, Isabelle Robert wants to raise awareness among women about the importance of listening to their bodies and consulting a doctor quickly when a change is observed. She also wishes to highlight the essential role played by the CHUS teams throughout her journey.

"As difficult as losing my baby was, I often tell myself that it’s probably what saved my life. If I hadn't been pregnant at that time, my cancer might not have been detected so quickly."

For her, this story is now a powerful reminder that prevention, medical follow-up, and early detection can truly make all the difference

For the patients of today and tomorrow

Isabelle Robert’s journey is a reminder that every step in the fight against breast cancer matters: prevention, screening, specialized treatments, research, and patient support.

Today, thanks to the support of its community, the CHUS Foundation funds projects that help improve care and the experience of those affected by the disease throughout the region.

You can contribute to these priority initiatives by supporting:

• The Fonds Santé des femmes, which helps improve care, equipment, and services for women

• The CHUS Integrated Cancer Centre, a major project that will bring care, treatment, research, and education under one roof to provide a more human-centered experience better tailored to the needs of cancer patients: Discover the project

Nearly one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Behind this statistic are parents, children, spouses, and colleagues like Isabelle. By supporting the CHUS Foundation, you help provide quality care, today and for generations to come.

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