Stage III Breast Cancer: Carmen's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Carmen, 56, is from Colombia, works in bacteriology, and has 1 child. She went to the doctor after a mass in her right breast began to grow and change the shape of the breast. She also noticed redness, swelling, nipple itching, and throbbing pain. She was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer, a frightening diagnosis made even heavier by a family history that included losing her mother, uncles, and cousins to cancer. Carmen tried to cope by spending more time with family, going out for walks and gatherings, and lowering stress after she stopped working. Her doctors recommended surgery and additional treatment. She ultimately had a mastectomy, breast flap surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Oophorectomy was discussed in the recommended surgical options, but her story only describes the mastectomy and breast flap surgery as completed. Treatment brought financial stress because household funds were tight and she did not receive disability payments. During chemotherapy, she ate what she could tolerate, then returned to a healthier diet with vegetables, protein, and fruit as side effects eased. Carmen was declared cancer-free in February 2023 after surgery and follow-up examinations. She continued hormone therapy and pain medication, while focusing on travel, family, faith, and doing more of the activities that made her feel happy and alive.