Breast Cancer: Lourdes's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Lourdes del Río’s breast cancer was found after a suspicious mammogram led to additional imaging. A sonogram also raised concern, and the radiologist told her there was a malignancy. Two tumors were biopsied: one was thought likely benign and the other likely malignant. Two days later, her gynecologist called to say the result was positive. Lourdes was going through another major life event at the same time. Her divorce was finalized on March 23, 2022, and she entered the operating room the next day, March 24, for tumor removal. After surgery, an Oncotype test was performed to estimate recurrence risk and guide treatment. She had hoped chemotherapy might not be needed, but the test result led to chemotherapy, followed by radiation. Her breast cancer stage, surgery type, chemotherapy drugs, and radiation schedule were not stated. Treatment also affected her appearance and identity; when her hair began falling out from chemotherapy, she chose to cut it publicly and rejected the idea that hair defined her. She later used the experience to build a more positive public platform. As of May 2025, Lourdes said she was no longer a patient, described herself as cancer-free and 100% healthy, and said her mammogram and ultrasound the previous day were perfect.