Active 25 year old was shocked by her breast cancer diagnosis

For six years, Morgan has called Nashville home. Growing up in the sports world, she’s always been active choosing to move her body with hot yoga, weight lifting, or Pilates. In August 2023, just after celebrating her 25th birthday, she went in for her annual OB-GYN appointment. 

Something told her to ask for a breast exam, even though she had no symptoms and no family history. Everything checked out fine.

Just one month later, Morgan felt something unusual in her breast. At first, she brushed it off. But by September, she decided to have it checked again. Her OB-GYN suggested an ultrasound, and the lead mammography tech told Morgan the results found something. Morgan would need a biopsy to test the abnormal breast tissue.

On October 18, a biopsy confirmed she had Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer. This meant the cancer was found early, before it had spread, but the HER2 protein made it a faster-growing type. Because she insisted on getting checked, doctors were able to act quickly. With breast surgeon Dr. Eduardo Dias and oncologist Dr. Nancy Peacock from Tennessee Oncology working alongside the team at Ascension Saint Thomas, she began treatment right away with confidence in her care.

“I’ll never forget that moment,” Morgan recalled. “But Dr. Dias is amazing. He made me feel heard and cared for from the very beginning.”

She began chemotherapy around Thanksgiving, with her first session lasting eight hours. Over the next several months, she completed six rounds of chemo while also taking an oral medication to induce temporary menopause for three years. For some pre-menopausal women, this approach helps lower estrogen levels, since certain types of breast cancer feed on the hormone. By temporarily shutting down the ovaries, doctors can reduce the chance of recurrence and improve the effectiveness of other therapies. Chemotherapy didn’t make Morgan physically sick, but the fatigue, loss of taste and eventually her hair, were challenging for her..

Morgan decided to keep working throughout treatment and stayed as active as possible, determined to maintain her sense of normalcy. Music, movement, and the support of her mom, who came to visit during treatments, kept her grounded.

In April 2024, she completed chemo and the next month she underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction by August. On May 10th, 2024, Morgan was declared cancer-free. Now 27 and planning her wedding, she continues regular follow-ups with Dr. Dias and Dr. Peacock while on ongoing medication and injections.

“Being diagnosed so young was shocking,” she said. “That’s why I want to share my story, so more women know the importance of listening to their bodies, speaking up, and getting checked.”

Morgan is living proof that early detection can save lives and a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t have an age limit.

At Ascension Saint Thomas, our Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center brings together specialists in breast health, gynecologic oncology, genetics, and supportive care. From early detection and personalized treatment plans to survivorship programs, our team is here to support women through every stage of their cancer journey