18 Breast Cancer Reflections Inspired By An 18- Inning World Series Game
There are very few things that keep me up past 10 p.m. Extra innings, Dodgers’ World Series baseball is one of them.
Watching Game 3 of the World Series in 2025 was a long haul, full of tension, history, and ultimately victory by the Dodgers.
It was amazing to see unfold, and as I reflected on the game, I began to draw some interesting connections between it and breast cancer.
In honor of the 18-inning World Series Game of 2025, here are 18 of my breast cancer reflections.
1. How it starts isn’t how it ends.
Game three began like any other game. Nothing could have predicted it would go into so many extra innings. Our diagnoses can start with an abnormal mammogram, and then perhaps progress along the expected path with surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapy. And maybe it all begins and ends as planned. But sometimes, how breast cancer starts has no bearing on how it ends. While 18 innings or rare complications aren’t “normal” or “expected,” the start of our journeys may not predict the ending.
2. The unexpected can happen at any time.
As the game went on, the announcers shared surprising and historic details. Unexpected errors, missed calls, injuries during an at-bat, and home runs just a few feet short all contributed to one of the longest World Series games ever. The same can be true with our breast cancer experience. In my personal journey, I passed out during a biopsy, the MRI revealed surprising findings, and I found out I was allergic to steri-strips. These unexpected events added to an already stressful situation.
3. Mindset matters when everything is on the line.
As the game went on, the batters kept swinging for the fences and popping up. It was noted that this was typical of an extra-inning game. Everyone wanted to end with one big swing, rather than focusing on the usefulness of a single base hit or just getting the ball in play. Although none of us were in the players’ heads, we can imagine the mental chatter going on after yet another missed opportunity. In breast cancer, our minds are spinning. Often, we feel anxious, worried, and frustrated. And when things don’t go as planned, that’s understandable. Having strategies to stay calm, even in high-pressure moments—whether it’s a biopsy or an at-bat—can help us approach situations with a calmer mindset.
4. Everyone on the team matters.
In this 18-inning game, almost everyone on the roster played. And when they weren’t on the field, they were supporting those who were. By the end of the game, there was no one left on the Dodgers’ bench for relief. At one point, the commentator said, “Which of these chairs will throw best?” And when our breast cancer treatment goes into extra innings, everyone matters. We need support from our medical team, family, friends, and community. Practical help like meals, errands, unexpected gifts, or a card in the mail can make a difference when we are feeling depleted. Everyone matters because cancer is hard.
5. You never know who you’ll need, so plan ahead.
These managers had a limited number of players they could put on their roster. And, likely, an 18-inning game wasn’t on their list of possible scenarios. But they put everyone they thought they might need on the roster. And everyone counted that night. I remember being early in my DCIS journey and getting offers for help from friends. I didn’t need anything at the time, but I kept note of their offers, and when I needed help, I reached out. Having a list of people I could possibly call helped when something unexpected came up. Building out a potential roster of people who might be able to help can be crucial when things go haywire.
6. Trust runs deep.
The Dodgers brought Kershaw in when it was all on the line. The bases were loaded, it was two outs, and it looked dire. And in came Clayton Kershaw for possibly his last appearance ever. I’d like to say I thought it was a good idea, but I didn’t. However, Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, put his trust in Kershaw. And, he delivered, big time. One batter was all he faced, but getting that out kept the game going. There were times I was at the end of my rope. I had no more energy, and the tears wouldn’t stop flowing. And then, Dave would come up and give me a hug and ask what he could do. And so, I trusted him with my emotions, my fears, and that next thing I couldn’t do. Our trust runs deep, and he delivered.
7. Volunteering, even when you’ve already given your all.
No one asked Yoshinobu Yamamoto to come in when the relief was exhausted, but he volunteered. And so, there he was, warming up in the Dodger Bullpen after pitching a complete game just a few days before. How would he have done? We will never know. But his offer will forever show his commitment to the team when it mattered most. There were people in my life who volunteered to do more than I thought was “necessary,” and I was humbled when it happened. This might happen in your breast cancer journey too. Someone you barely know sends a meal or a surprise gift. Maybe it’s a colleague from a different department or a neighbor from two houses ago. And those moments stick with us.
8. Going the distance is exhausting, especially when the game goes into extra innings.
Playing a 9-inning baseball game is tiring, but playing two in a row for the World Series is even more so. I’m exhausted, and all I did was watch! Sometimes, our breast cancer treatment gets extended because of a pathology report, a surgery complication, or unexpected imaging results. We set aside just enough energy to get through the initial plan, but the extra innings—the surprises we didn’t expect—are what truly drain us. As the game continued, we saw fruit plates and snacks come out in the dugout because the players needed refueling. And so will we. When our treatment lasts longer than expected, our recovery needs change because we don’t have as much energy as we did at the start. We need to take advantage of all the opportunities to refuel that we can.
9. The game changes in extra innings and in the postseason.
Major League Baseball changed the rules in the regular season to prevent games as long as this one. However, in the post-season, those policies are lifted because these games are more important than regular-season games. This is the World Series, and we play until the very end, even if it means a whole second game. Breast cancer is not a “regular season game’; it’s a post-season challenge, so our approach must be different. Our lives change because breast cancer forces us to rewrite the rules of our lives. And when our team advises us to get one extra boost of radiation or another treatment, we stick with it.
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10. You have to keep going.
This game was so long that it was an entire second game. Many players were on the field for all 18 innings. They kept playing because the game wasn’t over yet. Preparing for the next phase of treatment, whether it is chemo, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, or radiation, requires us to keep showing up. We may be tired of the appointments, side effects, and the toll of treatment, but it’s not over yet. So we continue to show up, even when it takes much longer than we expected.
11. Sometimes there is no game plan.
The Dodgers ran out of pitchers. There was no more game plan, but it wasn’t over yet. The managers didn’t just decide to stop playing because they ran out of their usual “game plan.” They used their expertise, called on their team, and kept playing, even without a standard plan. Sometimes this happens with our breast cancer. This is when we rely on our medical team’s expertise and trust that they can develop a new treatment plan to face the unexpected challenges.
12. Celebrate every moment.
We cheered for the strikes, the almost home runs, the stolen bases, and the innings completed. And, for those of us who were Dodgers fans, we cheered the loudest at the end. Our breast cancer treatment will have many different stages. I remember celebrating each radiation treatment by marking a big X on my calendar. It helped me stay focused on the finish line. Celebrating progress helps us concentrate on our end goal—getting through treatment.
13. Different teams, same goal.
The Blue Jays and the Dodgers came into this series with the same goal—win it all. They took different paths to get to the game, and the same end goal. And so it is the same with our breast cancer journeys. Some of us need chemo, and some of us don’t. We have different medical teams, surgeries, and experiences. But the goal remains the same: eliminate breast cancer.
14. Sometimes, one team has the advantage.
The Dodgers had the advantage because they were the home team. It added to their momentum and made the walk-off possible. But, it could have easily gone the other way. Some of us face breast cancer with more support and resources than others. Breast cancer affects us physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Some can take leave from work. Others must keep working to maintain healthcare. We may have many options for surgeons based on where we live. Or, we might need to travel far from home to get the care we need. All of these advantages and disadvantages can influence our experience during and after treatment. And, sadly, sometimes they can affect our cancer treatment outcomes.
15. Your biggest weakness can become your greatest strength.
The Dodger bullpen has been labeled a weakness throughout this series. If the starting pitching wasn’t “on,” it was seen as a problem. But last night, the Dodger bullpen stepped up. I remember feeling weak and tired during radiation treatment. I was scared during those sessions. Looking back, I see that despite the fear, I kept going. I persevered. And through that perseverance, I found strength. I often reflect on my ability to get through challenging times in life. Because I made it through that, I feel strong enough to handle the next tough situation.
16. There will be unexpected heroes.
Can we talk about Will Klein? He threw the last four scoreless innings. He got the win. And he’d never pitched that many innings in a major league game, let alone the World Series. He wasn’t even on the roster for the other playoff games, and he delivered. There will be unexpected heroes in your breast cancer journey, too. The nurse who holds your hand during a scary biopsy. The radiologist who finds the cancer on the mammogram. The pathologist who examines your cancer. Sometimes, we get to celebrate and thank them. Breast cancer treatment is filled with many unexpected heroes—people who train their entire lives so they can make a difference in yours.
17. Sometimes, you play all 18 innings and walk away with a win. And sometimes you don’t.
Both teams played their hearts out. They did everything they were supposed to do. Freddie Freeman was the final hero of the night for the Dodgers. The Blue Jays—they were not so fortunate. Did they do anything wrong? Did they play “less” effort? Nope. They fought just as hard as the Dodgers. But in that 18-inning game, the Dodgers came out on top. It’s possible to follow all the recommended treatments for breast cancer and still experience a recurrence, complications, or unbearable side effects. We keep going and hope for the best outcomes. And we hope those good outcomes happen. But sadly, that’s not always the case.
18. The series isn’t over, so rest up.
After this epic game, one for the history books, there was an interview with Shohei Ohtani. He was asked what was on his mind after playing such a historic game. His response was unexpected, and yet so valuable: “I want to go to sleep as soon as possible so I can get ready.” There are more games to play. And, for us, in our breast cancer treatment, often there is something more for us to recover from. Maybe we need to recover from chemo so we are ready for surgery. Maybe we need to recover from radiation so we can get back to work. In the midst of the swirl, let’s not forget to rest and take care of ourselves for tomorrow.
Baseball and Breast Cancer
I didn’t think I’d ever have this many reflections on breast cancer after watching a World Series Game.
There’s something powerful about watching history unfold, seeing the mastery of a sport, and knowing that this is one of those collective moments we can unite, cheer, and celebrate together, even if we do root for different teams.
And so, on the eve of another World Series game, I will end it here, ready to cheer for my team and see how game 4 unfolds.
Jennifer Douglas
Jennifer Douglas is an author, patient advocate, and DCIS breast cancer survivor. After navigating her own breast cancer journey in 2019, she began writing and encouraging others who were newly diagnosed. Her resources include her book, "A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time," and her online support course, "Encourage: Breast Cancer and Beyond." Jennifer also actively supports patients through her online presence and direct involvement in communities and support groups, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
2 Comments
Carolyn Thomas
Hello Jennifer,
I’m so glad that Marie O’Connor mentioned your site today on her weekly Roundup – which led me to your very clever twist on that now-famous 18-inning game (although I was not glad about that game’s winning outcome over our beloved Toronto Blue Jays! Maybe next year!!! Go Jays! I was so impressed that you were able to come up with 18 creative links between baseball and breast cancer. Brilliant!
I’m a recently-diagnosed breast cancer patient (invasive ductal carcinoma, diagnosed on April 1st) here on the beautiful west coast of Canada. I never saw this new diagnosis coming – after having survived a misdiagnosed ‘widow-maker’ heart attack 17 years ago – which I assumed would be the cause of death published in my obituary some day!) I’m guessing my longtime “Heart Sisters” readers might prefer more of the heart-related content they’ve been used to on Sunday mornings!
But lately I can’t NOT write about my current life with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma, diagnosed on April 1st of this year) finished 6 rounds of brutal chemotherapy, with 11 more rounds of immunotherapy to go. Mastectomy scheduled for November 25th.
I’m guessing my longtime regular readers might prefer more of the heart-related content they’ve been used to reading for years on Sunday mornings! 🙂
Unlike a heart attack or any other medical crisis (in which you’d feel horrible until you get treated), I didn’t feel sick at all when I was diagnosed with cancer – right up until my cancer treatments started.
Thanks for your wonderful baseball post – and also your very wise Christmas post, too!
cheers,
Carolyn Thomas
Victoria, BC Canada
Jennifer Douglas
Carolyn,
Thank you for sharing your recent experiences dealing with breast cancer. What a shock, especially since you already had such a life-altering heart attack 17 years ago. I think your Heart Sisters will understand!
You are going through quite the marathon of breast cancer treatments. I hope your upcoming surgery goes smoothly and you can rest and recover for the next phase in your treatment.
Take care and sending you lots of encouragement along the way 💕
I had fun writing this post, thanks for commenting!!
Warmly,
Jen