Clea Shearer, known for her role in the Netflix hit show “Get Organized with The Home Edit,” faced an unexpected challenge far removed from decluttering homes: a breast cancer diagnosis. Despite discovering a concerning lump in her breast in February 2022, Shearer’s journey to diagnosis was initially met with frustrating delays, highlighting systemic issues within healthcare access.
Shearer, who had just celebrated her 40th birthday – the age recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for biennial screening mammograms – and was riding high on the professional success of selling her company, Home Edit, encountered a stark reality when she performed a self-exam in the shower. “I felt pretty certain that the lump was breast cancer,” Shearer admitted, recalling the moment her joy turned to apprehension.
The logical next step, a prompt mammogram, seemed straightforward. However, Shearer’s experience revealed a significant disconnect in the healthcare system. Upon contacting her gynecologist, she was informed that mammogram appointments were fully booked until April, with May’s schedule not yet open. This news was a jarring blow to Shearer, who was understandably anxious about the suspicious lump.
The prospect of waiting months to investigate a potentially cancerous mass is alarming. Cancer is not a condition that allows for leisurely timelines; timely diagnosis and intervention are critical. Shearer rightly questioned the lack of urgency in scheduling her mammogram, emphasizing the potential dangers of delayed diagnosis in cancer cases.
Unfortunately, Shearer’s experience is not unique. Healthcare systems, while intended to prioritize patient well-being, can sometimes operate under administrative or financial constraints that overshadow medical urgency. Patients often find themselves navigating these complexities while simultaneously grappling with health concerns, a reality Shearer encountered firsthand.
Shearer, however, demonstrated remarkable proactiveness. “My primary care physician had to fight for the mammogram,” she revealed, highlighting the crucial role of patient advocacy, sometimes even from within the medical system itself. This intervention proved pivotal in expediting her diagnosis and care.
Thanks to the persistence of Shearer and her primary care physician, she was able to undergo a mammogram and subsequent ultrasound sooner than initially scheduled. The urgency escalated when the results prompted an immediate biopsy. “They actually said you can’t leave this building without a biopsy,” Shearer recounted, underscoring the concerning nature of the findings.
In March 2022, the biopsy confirmed a stage 2 invasive mammary carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer. “If I had waited until May, it could have been Stage 3,” Shearer explained, emphasizing the critical impact of early detection. Further examination revealed two adjacent tumors, a detail undetected during her self-exam. The cancer was identified as hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative, and high-risk. Shearer was advised to begin treatment immediately and opted for a double mastectomy in April 2022. During surgery, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.
Shearer’s treatment journey was extensive, encompassing further surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. “It’s all been difficult,” she shared, describing her active treatment period as a time of simply “holding on for dear life.” Following the conclusion of her active treatment in November 2022, she commenced adjuvant therapy in January 2023 to minimize recurrence risks. This included hormone suppression with an aromatase inhibitor and Verzenio (abemaciclib), a targeted therapy, along with the removal of her ovaries and Fallopian tubes.
Despite the initial hurdles, Shearer expressed gratitude for the high-quality care she received at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “I’ve been receiving the best care in a world class hospital,” she affirmed, highlighting the empowering nature of her current treatment plan and the exceptional support of her oncologist.
Her experience has profoundly shifted Shearer’s focus. Now a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, she aims to share her story to empower other women. She is writing a book about her journey and has partnered with Eli Lilly and Company through her Clea’s Story website to educate women about early breast cancer and treatment options.
“Everything changes, don’t take things for granted,” Shearer emphasizes, urging others to prioritize their health and well-being. Despite facing fears and anxieties, she maintains a positive outlook, focusing on “appreciating the beautiful moments and all the time with loved ones.” Clea Shearer’s journey underscores the importance of proactive health management, the need for patient advocacy, and the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversity, even for someone adept at organizing every aspect of life.
