Patricia's Story
I took my daughter to the doctor to have her examination done. He asked me how long it had been since I had been examined, and I replied, "Too long." The doctor recommended I do it right at that moment, that there was no time to lose and, after all, I was already there.
When he finished, I noticed that he had marked the breast area on my exam sheet. I asked him why, and he answered, "Don't worry — I noticed a little pellet, but it's nothing to worry about."
However, I did worry. As time passed, the little pellet became a cyst, growing more and more every month. Three more months passed, and the cyst was hurting me and growing. My sister encouraged me to get a second opinion with a gynecologist. I had a mammogram, which didn't confirm the cancer but confirmed the abnormal cyst. A biopsy was next, and I had to travel to the La Paz community center to meet with Dr. Roberto Rodríguez Pulido.
It was after the biopsy that I was diagnosed with cancer.
Thirteen days later, Dr. Rodriguez operated me. Over the next several months, I was exposed to six doses of chemotherapy and 25 doses of radiation.
The cancer was gone but the situation was still frightening. Three years after treatment, I found out I was pregnant. Dr. Rodríguez couldn't hold his anger — he was afraid an irregular cell could awake the cancer again. Thank God, his fears stayed just that — fears. The cancer never returned. I now have a beautiful daughter and a beautiful son, and after over 11 years the doctor diagnosed me free of cancer.
What I can tell you is that family support was a big help to me. There are more sisters than brothers in my family, and all of them supported me from the very beginning. They suggested surgery so the cancer wouldn't have a chance to come back. They insisted I should focus my concentration on my daughter and my life, and that I shouldn't worry about anything else. It was with this support that I was able to tell Dr. Rodríguez, "Doctor I trust God and after God I trust you, so please do everything that is necessary."
The support of my husband has been crucial as well. After surgery, I suggested a breast implant to replace the surgically removed breast. My husband, thank God, never rejected me, saying "What for? If you are healthy, what reason do you have to mix up your body?"
I am not ashamed to talk about this. I never let any of my medical appointments be dismissed. Sometimes people feel better and they stopped their treatments and consultation. But not me. Because I know that being consistent is the best way to win against the disease.
Partners:
© 2008 Los Cabos Women's Wellness Foundation
