Life Before Cancer
Before cancer entered my life, I was already a civil engineer, passionate about my work and driven by my goals. My days were filled with projects, plans and a vision for the future that felt solid and secure. I was building a life I was proud of and valued my family, who gave me strength and purpose. Like many people, I never imagined my life would take the turn it did.
A Life-Changing Moment
My cancer journey didn’t begin with a routine checkup, but with an unexpected turn during treatment for something completely different. I was preparing to receive radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer and, as part of the process, I had to see my gynecologist. That visit changed everything. I remember the doctor delivering the news, but much of what she said clouded around me. My mother was right there, holding my hand and steadying me as she absorbed the details. She was my rock in that moment, taking in what I could not.
I didn’t think about survival or wonder why it was happening to me. What filled my mind was fear: fear of how my life would change, how I could afford treatment in a third world country, and what options would be available to me. Everything felt uncertain; I was already losing control, but with the strength of my mother by my side I knew I had a foundation to stand on.
Telling my boyfriend and my family was difficult. I wanted to be strong, but I needed them. They offered me the support, love, control and faith that I lacked. I think without my family, this would have been very difficult to deal with.
The Treatment and its Challenges
The treatment felt like a constant battle, each stage bringing new challenges and decisions that would change my life. I went through 8 sessions of chemotherapy, 35 sessions of external radiation and a complete hysterectomy.
As I went through surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, I clung to the hope that each step brought me closer to recovery. But then, a complication arose: a rectovaginal fistula, which was a sequel to the treatment. Living with this fistula became the most difficult part of my journey. I felt like I was losing even the little control I had fought so hard to maintain. Daily life became filled with uncertainty and discomfort, and I was forced to face the fact that my body had changed in ways I had not anticipated.
The recommendation of an ostomy as a solution was difficult to accept. At first, I resisted it, struggling to imagine what it means to live with something so unfamiliar. It took time, patience and a lot of introspection to come to terms with the idea of “Jeepers” (the name I gave my stoma), which is now a part of my life.
Learning to live with an ostomy meant facing trial and error, moments that put my courage and patience to the test.
Eventually, I began to see my ostomy as a way forward, a way to regain some normalcy and stability. I was still working on accepting it, but I could finally feel that I was moving from survival to resuming my life.
During this time, I found relief in little things, like crocheting. Creating something with my own hands became a form of therapy, allowing her to focus on the beauty she could bring to the world, even as she navigated this new reality.
Transforming Pain into Purpose
Surviving cancer was not the end of my journey; it was the beginning of a mission to make sure no one else had to face what I faced.
I found my path, a community of incredible survivors and awareness-raisers, who welcomed me and showed me the power of sharing our stories.
Becoming a Cervivor Ambassador was a natural step, a calling to transform my experience into something meaningful. I wanted to be there for others, answer questions, offer support and motivate people to get vaccinated or tested. My goal has always been that no one should feel alone on this journey.
I discovered the power of sharing our stories and how they can inspire others to take action, whether it’s taking care of their health or their children’s health. Each conversation and testimony reminded me of the importance of this work and strengthened my desire to continue to create positive change.
Awareness is not just a role for me; it is part of who I am. I found strength in connecting with others and learned that, even in the most difficult of times, there is always hope and someone willing to understand.
Reflecting on the Journey and the Future
My journey with cancer profoundly transformed me from surviving to finding purpose in every obstacle, triumph and connection. Not only did cancer change me, it gave me the opportunity to support others and raise awareness about cervical cancer for the organization I am a part of.
Today, my focus goes beyond my recovery; it’s about informing, especially in the Latino community, so that no one feels alone. Whether it’s health fairs, speaking engagements or online connections, my goal is to offer hope and empower others to take care of their health.
Although the road is not easy, each step reaffirms that together we are making a difference. I am grateful for those who have supported me and for the opportunity to use my voice to inspire and create lasting change.
