Michelle Anderson-Benjamin: Redefining What It Means to Live With Stage IV Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Michelle Anderson-Benjamin had always been the backbone of her family. A mother of two in New York City, a health care administrator by profession, and a longtime caregiver and advocate for others, she was used to being the one people turned to. But in September 2020, at age 36, her world flipped when she was diagnosed with stage I triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—a highly aggressive form of the disease disproportionately affecting younger Black women.

The first sign came during the COVID-19 lockdown. While remote schooling her kids and working from home, Michelle noticed blood leaking from her right breast. Her gynecologist initially suspected an infected cyst or complications from a recent IUD insertion, but the symptoms didn’t go away. A visit to the ER led to an ultrasound and urgent follow-up testing at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. By the following week, she had undergone five biopsies, an MRI, and consultations with a breast surgeon. “I hoped I wouldn’t hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’ But I was also prepared,” said Michelle.

Even as a health care worker and caregiver to other cancer patients, the moment hit hard. But Michelle didn’t freeze. “When the doctor came back after those 5 minutes to let me absorb the news, I pulled out my binder and said, ‘Let’s get to work.’”

She had already researched her subtype, her options, and potential clinical trials. She insisted on choosing her own care team. “I needed to fight the way I knew how. I didn’t want anyone else scripting my story.”

Her initial treatment began with a unilateral mastectomy in October 2020, with placement of a tissue expander.
Complications followed—her body rejected the implant twice, resulting in nine surgeries before chemotherapy could even begin. Eventually, she underwent multiple cycles of AC-T chemotherapy—Adriamycin (doxorubicin), cyclophosphamide, and Taxol (paclitaxel), with adjustments along the way due to vein issues and side effects. She “rang the bell”—celebrating successful treatment—in May 2021.

But in October 2022, 2 years after her initial diagnosis, the cancer had recurred, and Michelle was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic TNBC. There was no gradual escalation; she had jumped from stage I to stage IV without warning. “It was like climbing one step and suddenly finding yourself dangling off the top ledge.”

At the time of recurrence, there were few treatment options. Michelle did not qualify for immunotherapy due to not having the biomarker, PD-L1, that is required to be eligible for treatment or for HER2–targeted treatments, since her tumor was HER2-negative. But then a clinical trial opened, a phase III study testing an antibody–drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway) for metastatic TNBC. She enrolled and began what would become a transformative journey.

Today, Michelle has completed 40 cycles of the investigational treatment, which is now approved for certain other forms of breast cancer. She is believed to be the top patient on the trial in terms of duration and response. Her scans currently show no evidence of cancer.

Despite its effectiveness, the treatment comes with taxing side effects, including severe dry eye, joint pain, and dry mouth. Michelle mitigates these through a strict routine: She eats clean, takes vitamins, practices yoga, lifts weights, and attends biweekly massages. “I can’t pour into others unless my cup is overflowing,” she said. “And I plan to be the healthiest, sexiest 40-something in the room.”

Her strength is rooted in her father’s wisdom. “He used to say, ‘You’ve got 5 minutes to cry. On the sixth minute, I want a solution.’ That’s how I live.” After her father’s passing, whom she lovingly cared for in ICU for 3 months, Michelle leaned even harder into her advocacy work.

She founded The Fearless Warrior Project, an organization focused on helping people facing cancer prioritize their mental health, legacy, and self-worth. Its logo is inspired by a photo of her young daughter playing superhero in the living room. “I wanted my kids to see their mom face down this storm and still shine,” she said. “If I can’t change this story, at least my kids can say: my mom didn’t back down.”

As part of the project, Michelle writes and speaks nationally about survivorship, health equity, and legacy planning. One of her proudest moments was contributing a chapter to the best-selling book “A Mother’s Prayer”—a letter to her daughter to be opened at age 23, when she begins early mammograms due to elevated genetic risk. “I couldn’t walk her through her first mammogram if I’m not here—so I left her the words anyway.”

To policymakers, her message is blunt: “We fight to stay alive every single day. We vote for you, we show up. Now we need you to show up for us. Fund the research. Don’t wait for cancer to hit your family to care.”

Michelle isn’t asking for miracles, just for momentum. “We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking for tools. Give us the science. Give us the trials. Give us the choice.” And above all: “Remember, we didn’t choose cancer. But we are choosing to live. Make it possible for us to keep choosing.”

Give us the science. Give us the trials. Give us the choice.