What happened, in summary

Transito was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer after seeking medical evaluation because her sister had cancer. She had not noticed symptoms beforehand. The diagnosis brought fear, sadness, nervousness, worry, isolation, and loneliness.

Her doctors recommended breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Transito followed that plan, undergoing a lumpectomy and radiation. After completing the other treatment, she continued taking hormone medication. She said she was in remission. Constipation was the side effect that affected her most. The financial impact was significant because she could not work during the cancer experience.

Cancer also affected family life. Transito remained able to contact and visit her parents, but intimacy with her partner decreased and she spent less time with her children. She hoped to return to traveling with them and wanted to stay healthy enough to enjoy life with her grandchildren and continue caring for her mother. One of her strongest fears had been the possibility of chemotherapy, even though chemotherapy was not part of the treatment she described receiving. Family support and faith in God helped her cope, and she continued to feel both vulnerable and hopeful as she moved forward.