As part of our October breast cancer awareness blog series, we will be publishing stories from our clients and who are (or have been) faced with a breast cancer diagnosis.
This blog is written by client Maria Perez and translated by our Spanish speaking Patient Navigator. Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and is still in treatment. She is grateful for the women she met at the BCRC Spanish Support Circles.
What emotions did you feel when you learned of your breast cancer diagnosis?
Tenía miedo, tenía miedo de que iba a morir. Me sentí como si mi mundo se detuvo, no sabía lo que el futuro tenía reservado para mi.
I was afraid. I was afraid I was going to die. I felt like my world stopped. I didn’t know what the future held.
What kind of cancer treatment did you received and how did it affect your life?
Yo recibí quimioterapia, luego tuve una lumpectomía y voy a recibir radiación. La quimioterapia me afectó mucho. Tenía dolor de mis huesos, perdí mi cabello, mis cejas se cayeron también, mis pestañas cayeron, mi piel ha cambiado y siempre estaba muy cansada.
I received chemotherapy, then I had a lumpectomy, and I will receive radiation. The chemotherapy affected me a lot. My bones hurt, I lost my hair, my eyebrow hair fell off, my eyelashes fell, my skin changed, and I was always very tired.
What was the hardest thing about breast cancer?
La carga financiera para mi familia. Y hacer frente emocionalmente con el diagnostico cáncer de mama.
The financial burden on my family. And coping emotionally with having breast cancer.
How did you first hear about the BCRC?
Por el hospital. Me dijeron que buscara a BCRC para una gran cantidad de apoyo para no sentirme sola.
From the hospital. They told me to look for BCRC for a lot of support to not feel alone.
How has BCRC specifically helped you and/or your family?
Una gran ayuda fue cuando el centro BCRC me dio ayuda financiera. También encontré la fuerza, la esperanza y un sentido de unidad entre las mujeres que conocí. Ya no me sentía sola y pronto me encontré ayudando a otras mujeres que habían sido recientemente diagnosticadas con sólo decirles una palabra para que se sientan fuertes.
A huge help was when I received financial help from BCRC. I also found strength, hope, and a sense of unity among the women I met. I no longer felt alone and I soon found myself helping other women that had recently been diagnosed by just telling them a word to make them feel strong.
The BCRC thanks Maria for sharing her story and her experience. If you or someone you know is facing breast cancer and could use our support, please visit our website or call our helpline at 512-524-2560 or our Spanish helpline at 512-796-5808.
Consider making a donation to BCRC this October and give the gift that makes a real difference for the women in Central Texas facing breast cancer right NOW. Visit bcrc.org to learn more about how we can help, or click here if you wish to give back today.