Hi, I’m Veronica. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, but my aspirations of being an advocate for breast cancer screening have motivated me through my treatment journey.
This is my story.
I found a lump, felt that it was suspicious, and decided to get it checked. Eventually, I was informed that I had stage 3 breast cancer.
When I received my diagnosis, I was overwhelmed with fear and sadness.
Being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer made me feel:
- Frightened and worried
- Helpless and overwhelmed
- Isolated and lonely
I felt incredibly powerless and vulnerable.
I completely changed my diet after being diagnosed and ate healthier every day of the week. I exercised a little more too.
I had a really intensive treatment plan. My doctor recommended:
- Mastectomy (removal of entire breast)
- Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph node(s))
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
I decided to trust his expertise and opted for all of the recommended treatments.
Subsequently, we added hormone therapy to the list as well, based on my own research and my doctor’s recommendations.
As of now, I’ve completed them all except for hormone therapy, which I’m currently undergoing. I did get massages as well.
After finalizing my treatment plan, I felt somewhat relieved and hopeful.
During my treatment, I struggled with fatigue, lymphedema (swelling) and chemo brain (changes in thinking, memory and focus due to chemotherapy). I tried to cope with them by exercising more, eating healthier and taking the medication prescribed to me.
I kept all the changes I made after diagnosis and made them a permanent part of my life.
After being diagnosed with cancer, I contacted my parents much more frequently every week.
In the next 2 years, I plan to celebrate being cancer free! I’m also planning on visiting extended family in Puerto Rico.
My biggest aspiration is to be an advocate for breast cancer screening and help other ladies with breast cancer understand their cancer better and make more informed decisions. I am also looking forward to returning to my job as an RN! I want to spend more time with my parents and spread breast cancer awareness with my family.
Recurrence was my biggest fear.
What I did to overcome this fear was learning from other breast cancer survivors and doctors how to manage and cope with my fear of recurrence.
I do feel more optimistic today. I’m more hopeful and inspired now.
Tell your family and friends to take care of their health and get screening! Early detection is so important.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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