Tell us about your survivor journey.
I learned I had breast cancer on August 29th, 2019. I went to my annual mammogram and in the complementary study, the radiologist found an image that look really bad. Next day she made a biopsy and the result was positive for breast cancer. It was a really surprise because I never thought in my self as having cancer. Doctors programmed new studies to be sure I was a candidate for surgery. Although tumor was small, they explained me the best option in my case was mastectomy. I underwent my surgery in October, it was sad but my family has been a very strong support to me in this process. As the tumor was small I supposed chemotherapy wouldn’t be necessary but the oncologist informed to me that I will need four sessions of red and white chemotherapy. That really made me feel sad, even more than mastectomy. When my hair begun to drop I cried and cried, to me that was the saddest thing in all this process. Nowadays I have two months free of chemotherapy, my health is recovering satisfactorily and thanks to the support of my family and my co-workers, I feel confident again.
What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
My mom and my son
What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
Anyone may have cancer. You know that but the real awareness is when you have it. God has blessed me with a marvelous family, those who are closest to me but others that abroad are present too. I love them all a lot and I’m grateful because all the things they share with me.
Helping others to go through this is wonderful. Because of my job I have the opportunity to do it and it feels really good to be in touch with them and help them to recover shoulder function while they know I understand how they feel.
Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
Rely on God. He knows what is best for you and will send you all that you need for your recovery. Maybe you will hear a lot of things you don’t understand and things you won’t like but at the end, living is the best gift you will receive. So ask, learn about your choices, share your experience, and be confident that everything will fit you .
