What happened, in summary

Anabel’s breast cancer story was shaped by family loss. Her sister and mother had both died from cancer, and Anabel had cared for them before facing her own diagnosis. About 1.5 years after losing her mother, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, specifically infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and was given an estimated life expectancy of 5 years. She began chemotherapy in September 2019 and continued until February 2020. Radiation therapy followed. Although she managed chemotherapy and COVID relatively well, radiation left lasting problems with memory and concentration. Anabel decided early that quality of life had to be part of treatment, not an afterthought. She worked with a psychologist to manage worry, a physiotherapist for lymphedema, a dermatologist to care for her skin during radiation, and a kinesiologist who helped her meditate before sleep. She also explored clinical trials, including 1 with focal dentists and another with Dr. Josefina Cruz at HUB focused on slowing metastasis. As of July 2022, Anabel was living with metastatic breast cancer while building Vivir es Urgente, a project focused on preventive, integrative, and regenerative oncology so patients could receive support around nutrition, exercise, psychology, and recovery from treatment.