Anny's Story
Anny, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
I had requested a mammogram as I was undergoing my yearly physical. It was January of 2019. I was 41. It’s a new year, so why not get off to a good start?
Before I scheduled an appointment for a mammogram, work restarted and that puts much of my personal care on the back burner. I saw that the referral had a six-month window, so I waited. I wasn’t looking forward to the exam anyway.
Well, in the Spring I got injured. As part of my “workout” to stay active, I play basketball with my boys. But, one day, I got hit hard against my chest. A day or two later I felt pain and noticed a bruise, so I did a self-exam and that’s when I felt it… a lump. It was small but it was hard, and it was bruised.
That’s what I get for playing rough. My husband was with me and advised me to do the mammogram. I revisited my doctor who confirmed I had a small lump. He told me to calm down and go do my mammogram.
So there it was: May 20. The day that changed my life. It was at the Women’s Health Center (WHC). I remember being very nervous. My fear was greater than ever.
The WHC was beautiful. Walking through the frosted doors was like entering another world—a soft, tender world. The room was big and bright with lots of light and soft music that soothed the soul. It put a smile on my face.
The receptionist was kind and the entire process was efficient. I went to rest after a long day at work on the soft, upholstered sofa but that was short lived as they took me back right away. I walked into a more private area where there were changing rooms, bathrooms and another lounge that was more of a family room. All the facilities seemed more fit for a spa than a hospital or clinic. Yes, this was relaxing.
Then, I was taken to the exam room. The mammogram itself hurt much less than anticipated. The pain I felt came more from the lump or bruise I had on my chest, but it was nothing to cry about. “The doctor should have your results in three to four days,” said the technician. “Have a good day.”
Great, that was it! So, I tightened up my nice, big white robe, which they had provided for me, and went back to my changing room. But within seconds I heard a knock. I was told to go ahead and change but not to leave. The nurse needed to speak with me.
This is when I met Nurse Linda. This was my first personal experience with the possibility of having cancer, and Linda was my teacher. There was no sugar coating anything. These were the findings, these are the possibilities and I need to go in for further tests.
“It’s a lot of information, but let's take it a step at a time and not jump to conclusions,” Linda explained as she got me a cup of water and made sure I was seated and comfortable.
I was nervous, which did not help when undergoing other procedures like the biopsy. I cried, I feared the worst and I tormented myself. This was not like me, so I turned to the one who could counsel me—my Lord and Savior. I have a wonderful family and church community that supported me with scripture and prayers. Turning to God for guidance and peace and strength is what helped me endure. He put the people I needed to help me in my path and he filled my heart and mind with good thoughts—thoughts of life.
I had to take some type of action. I had overworked myself, stressed myself out and ate the wrong foods. Through divine intervention I sought to transform my diet and my environment.
Per my older sister’s recommendation, I sought out a local chiropractor. She provided me with a comprehensive physical exam and an extensive nutritional guide to support my immune system. This would prepare my body for a strong recovery from surgery and any treatment that followed. So my daily diet changed. This is where my husband, Jorge, and four boys played crucial roles. To this day my son David continues to serve me my green, vegetable smoothie every morning. They have helped curb all bad choices and eating habits and support me 100% on our new and healthier diet.
As for the medical side, I thank God for bringing Linda Rowan and Dr. Cecylia Mizera to my life. These two professionals educated me. I remember saying that my biggest barrier was ignorance—we fear what we don’t know. I didn’t know what anything meant, what I could do or what I should think. And, meanwhile, the correlation between cancer and death was daunting.
When I did my own research online, I only added to the fear. There is so much information out there but most of it is scary and about the worst outcomes. And, this is not necessarily true. I didn’t understand the type of cancer I had or how advanced it was. I just knew it was invasive and aggressive, and I had two tumors in one breast.
Well, Nurse Linda settled much of my nerves when she sat down with me and my big, purple binder (given to me by the WHC) and went over my pathology report, my personal “blueprint” for the cancer I had and the binder itself—a tremendous resource. This meeting filled me with knowledge, images and a plan that sent me home with positive thoughts. But, in no time, fear settled in again. I continued to work—May and June are very busy for me at school—add to this doctors’ visits and testing.
Then came Dr. Mizera, my breast cancer surgeon at Swedish Hospital. She heard me through my tears and gasps and understood what I needed. I wanted to know more. What does everything mean? What should I do? What are my options? Dr. Mizera was straight forward, confident and knowledgeable. She told me and showed me everything. She was open and warm at the same time. She would return my calls at any hour and she worked with my schedule. From office visits to post-op she was always present and positive, making sure I laughed even when it hurt. She instilled the trust that I needed. Then, she referred me to the plastic surgeon and oncologist whom I am now working with to end this journey. God bless Dr. Mizera.
I am a wife, mother of four boys, sister, daughter, and teacher. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen and progesterone positive. I begged God to let me be there for my kids and He heard my prayers along with those of my family and community at my local church. I’ve had the support of many people at my work in a Chicago high school. I have no cancer in my body and will undergo hormone therapy for five years.
The hardest lesson I have learned is that fear, doubt and thoughts of death creep up unexpectedly. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions: I smile, I cry, I worry, I rejoice, I laugh, I ask God for help and I surround myself with people who support me and fill me with good words. The word of God is life and I need His word.
To schedule a mammogram, request an appointment or call 773-878-6888.
Published October 1, 2019
