What happened, in summary

Catalina was 55 when a small lump in her left breast and tiny prickling sensations made her feel that something was wrong. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The news left her frightened, helpless and nervous.

Her doctor recommended oral chemotherapy, which Catalina described as chemo pills. She followed the treatment plan and also used natural supplements as a personal supportive measure. She continued taking medication for pain. The pandemic created a separate burden: shortages and limited finances made an already difficult period harder for her household.

Catalina changed her daily routines by eating more healthfully and exercising more often. After treatment, she described herself as being in remission. She continued traveling with her children several times a year and hoped to meet her granddaughter, spend more time with family and share her faith with others.

Her greatest fear was death. Prayer, faith and her family helped her manage that fear and regain confidence. Over time, she felt more courageous and thankful for the progress she had made, and she encouraged other patients to find sources of strength that could help them continue through treatment and recovery.