Upon meeting Miami Beach resident Antonella Bacchelli, it’s obvious that she has a zest for life. The project manager’s warm personality and bright smile are contagious—traits that are essential when embarking upon a health journey that involves overcoming breast cancer. But Bacchelli credits much of her healing and recovery to her husband and family.
“My husband is always by my side and he doesn’t allow me to be sad,” she says. “He always brings laughter to things.”
Antonella would need that positivity around her. She had already faced brain surgery a few years before her breast cancer diagnosis. After having a benign tumor removed, she recalled being “sick of doctors” and skipped her annual mammogram that year. In Italy, where she was born and raised, mammograms are only required every two years, so she didn’t think it was a risky decision.
In 2022, however, she began having abnormal stomach pain and lost 14 pounds in two weeks. The pain was so intense she couldn’t even eat.
“My husband is a physician. I explained to him that my stomach hurt, and he worried that it was my liver. It was. Cancer had metastasized everywhere except my brain,” she explains. “Someone along the way suggested I get a mammogram.”
After the mammogram, she was diagnosed with stage four, HER2-positive breast cancer, with metastasis in her liver, bones, and lungs. Unaware of any treatment options, she was relieved to find that Dr. Michael Alan Schwartz, a board certified oncologist and principal investigator at Mount Sinai’s Cancer Research Program, said her cancer was treatable and that he would take care of her case.
“I was very glad to hear from my oncologist Dr. Schwartz that there was a treatment for it,” Bacchelli says. “I would not be cured, but I could be treated. After my first chemotherapy and immunotherapy session, I immediately felt better.”
Two years later, her tumor marker is under control, and the metastasis has shrunk.
“I was very lucky to be in Dr. Schwartz’s hands. Imagine if I hadn’t had the mammogram? It would have been such a long and painful process to diagnosis,” she says. “I really think there’s a great team of doctors, nurses, dieticians, and musical therapists at Mount Sinai. They knew exactly what I needed.”
Antonella is grateful for her care team, who went above and beyond with their exceptional care and compassion during her cancer journey. She also appreciates Dr. Schwartz’s commitment to always staying updated on the latest developments in oncology research and ability in creating personalized treatment options.
“I remember the first time I met both Dr. Schwartz and his nurse practitioner, Stevie. The doctor reassured me that my case, although desperate, had hope. They knew I was in extreme pain and were quick in discussing the protocol/treatment for my specific diagnosis,” Antonella recalls.
Outside of her treatment, Antonella focuses on her family and her work, helping project managers with forecasts and planning. Her own forecast has become a bright one: “I am still here. I am now on immunotherapy and feeling good. I changed my diet and that helped, and I have a great support system in my husband, two daughters, and granddaughter.”
Her biggest piece of advice to women? Never skip a yearly mammogram, as it can be life altering. She also says that it is important to keep your anxiety under control, keep busy, and embrace your support network.
“Enjoy every minute of your present life. Do not get stressed about anything, most of the time it is not important. Find a good support group. Mine was my family. Don’t be alone in this journey,” she says. “Also, keep working so you can distract yourself and keep your mind busy on other things. Trust your doctors, they are here to help and answer any questions. You just need patience.”
