The message she received last week after several investigations.
It was a shock. It is still a shock, it feels unreal, says Herrem.
The 38-year-old felt a lump in her breast three weeks ago and chose to seek care. On Friday, Herrem begins her first chemotherapy treatment.
Had it not been for the wonderful people around me, I would have had it very tough, she says.
Herrem is one of the greatest handball players ever, with two Olympic Games gold medals, three World Championship gold medals and six European Championship gold medals for her Norway. Last year, she ended her national team career but has continued to play for the Norwegian club team Sola HK.