Breast cancer: “No one prepares you for this”

Four years ago, Claudia Romero didn't expect her life to take such a drastic turn, precisely in the month of October, the month in which, internationally, people raise awareness about the fight against breast cancer. In the midst of the pandemic, during one of her routine checkups, a small lump was detected in her right breast, a finding that came as a threat to what had already marked her family: cancer.

Her mother died of bone cancer several years ago, after a silent battle for seven years, without telling her family. She died 15 days after her family learned of the news. She did so peacefully, as she wanted to be reunited in eternity with her son, Claudia's brother, who had passed away many years before.

When Claudia detected the lump in her breast, her first reaction was alarm and urgency, so she immediately went to her trusted gynecologist, who told her there was nothing to worry about. He operated on her and removed the lump, ruling out cancer.

Six months later, her uterus was removed due to complications from fibroids, but six months later, in October 2022 and a year after the first lump appeared, it reappeared in the same place.

Claudia then sought a second opinion, consulting with another specialist who, from the initial examination, confirmed that this was a sign of breast cancer, a disease that was confirmed after performing the necessary battery of tests.

The gynecologist explained that, to avoid complications, she would have to remove her breast. However, Claudia knew there was a possibility that her left breast could also develop cancer in later years, so she immediately made a decision: "I told my gynecologist: 'Remove both breasts. I don't want to have problems.' I was already carrying a heavy burden from what happened to my mother, and I didn't want to repeat it. I really wanted to live. The first thing that crossed my mind was my children; I cried a lot, but I didn't stop there. I started buying books, reading a lot to learn about the disease and be able to cope with it in the best way possible," she said.

In less than two months, in December, Claudia had already undergone surgery. She came out without either breast, but with every chance of continuing to live and be with her two children. "I came out of the surgery laughing; I felt great. I thought they would give me chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but no. Fortunately, my treatment only required hormone therapy for five years," she said, in addition to various tests and diagnostic tests that she has to undergo regularly.

Recovery wasn't just physical; it also involved an emotional adjustment. Claudia had to cope with the pain, scars, and changes in her body while continuing with her life, caring for her children, and adapting to new eating and exercise routines. "The most important thing for me was accepting what happened to me. I said, 'I prefer to be healthy.' And I moved forward," she said. Although the medical process was complicated, her strength and optimism, as well as the support of her oldest daughter and her support network, which also included the support of her former friend, Vanessa Toussaint, who died of breast cancer in May 2024, led her to maintain a positive recovery.

"No one prepares you for this. I read a lot, but I also prayed, I prayed to God, I prayed to my mother. What kept me going were my children. They never left, they were always there. My sister and my cousins ​​were there too," the woman recalled.

However, one of the strongest impacts came in her work life: although Claudia continued working during the recovery process, even connected to a computer, despite the drains from the surgery, months later she was fired without justification, an unexpected blow that led to depression.

"When they fired me, that's when I got depressed. I gave them six years of work with positive results, but it seems they weren't prepared to deal with something like that, because I didn't even miss work due to illness. For me, keeping my mind active and thinking about something other than my illness helped," the woman lamented.

Thus, not only was there a medical, labor, and legal process she had to face during her recovery, but, as part of all the changes brought about by the detection and treatment of her cancer, Claudia had to undergo a strict diet, eliminating sugar, gluten, and harmful fats, prioritizing vegetables, fruits, and "natural anti-inflammatory" foods like ginger and turmeric, all accompanied by medical specialists.

She also learned to make healthy snacks, such as jicama and beet chips, which she not only prepares to keep at home and accompany the diet her children are now following, but which have also become a source of income for her.

In economic terms, cancer represented a considerable challenge, even though she has had private health insurance, as she acknowledged the high costs of tests and medications that she has had to support ever since. She also acknowledged the inequality in access to treatment and the need for support for those without sufficient resources, which in recent years have become a crisis due to the lack of medication, putting the lives of those fighting cancer at risk.

Beyond the physical, for Claudia, emotional support, support networks, and body acceptance are key. For example, for a time she worked with a psychologist to overcome the impact of loss and body transformation, seeking ways to face the experience with dignity and self-esteem. "It was a loss; it's a mutation that they inflict on you, but you have to learn to live with it," she emphasized.

On a personal level, the illness strengthened her family ties and the way she interacts with her children. Claudia recognizes the importance of being present, supporting, and educating about healthy habits and prevention, a lesson she hopes to pass on to future generations.

For Claudia, prevention has become one of her life's pillars, which she shares with those who know her story and during the conferences she gives. At each conference, she emphasizes the importance of early medical checkups and monitoring family history, especially when there's a history of cancer, as was the case with her. "A timely visit to the doctor can always save you. Detecting it early isn't the same as letting it grow," she said.

Today, Claudia has not only defeated cancer, but all these experiences combined have led her to become a supporter of other women, and people in general: Claudia has become involved in awareness-raising activities, sharing her experience through talks and conferences with those who ask her to share her story as a testimony of her life. In this way, she helps raise awareness of the disease and eliminate taboos surrounding breast cancer, including its potential impact on men.

Despite the challenges, Claudia finds satisfaction in her recovery and in the health of her children. Her testimony reflects the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and solidarity with other patients. "The greatest satisfaction is being well, being healthy, and having my children well."

"Right now I can tell you the word is very demonized due to ignorance, but the important thing is to talk about it."

Cancer, Claudia asserts, is not only a matter of physical survival, but also of personal transformation and learning. Every decision, every care, every change in her lifestyle is part of an empowering process she seeks to share with those facing similar situations. "It's important for everyone to understand that it can happen to anyone. Constant checkups and timely visits to the doctor are key factors that can change lives," she added.

Claudia Romero doesn't intend her story to be a tale of compassion, but rather an example of action and a call to awareness and responsibility regarding health and the timely detection of any disease, particularly breast cancer. If she hadn't detected her tumor in time and sought a second medical opinion, her story wouldn't be the same today.