Susana Rosiles

I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at the age of 38. I'm the third of eight sisters to be diagnosed with this disease. My oldest sister was diagnosed about 12 years ago and unfortunately did not beat it. She died at the age of 50. My other sister was 39 when she was diagnosed. She had chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery and is doing great. She's now a five-year survivor. While she was going through her ordeal, I never in a million years could have imagined that I would be next.

My story begins in April 2003. My husband had just quit his job and was bugging me to take the kids and myself for physical exams while he still had health insurance coverage. Two weeks prior to that, I had begun having pain in my left breast, so I decided to have it checked out. The doctor did a needle biopsy but nothing could be extracted. I was told that I probably just had fibrous tissue and was sent home. Also, I was about to start my monthly cycle and was told that was possibly related to the pain I was experiencing.

After my period had ended, the pain got worse and I could feel a lump in my breast about the size of a grape. I went to the doctor and was told I should have another biopsy, but I was scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound first. These did not show anything abnormal, so on April 22, I had another biopsy. That is when I was told the bad news, and the minute I heard the word "cancer," I thought the worst. I said, "This is it, it is over." My husband was with me and all we did was hug each other. It was even worse when we broke the news to my kids and family members.

Beginning the battle
After I had almost run out of tears, I pulled myself together and turned to God for the courage and strength to fight. After a mastectomy, I had four months of chemotherapy and 35 sessions of radiation. I was lucky and didn't have any side effects from the chemo; it never made me sick, but it did make me really hungry. I don't know about other cancer patients but, for me the hardest part was losing my hair.

I am now going on three years as a survivor and I'm doing great. I see my oncologist every six months and have regular mammograms. This has been like an exam sent to me from God, and I think I've aced it so far. I have become closer to God, and I've become the best wife and mother ever. I take much better care of myself and, with God's help, I live every day to the fullest.

If we had known 12 years ago what we know today about breast cancer, my oldest sister might still be here with us. Four years ago, I started going to the Komen Race for the Cure® with my sister to cheer her up. I never imagined I would be one of the ones sitting up on the stand. I also never imagined that so many women would be affected by this monster. Participating in the Race gives me hope, strength and courage to keep going, and I'm sure it does the same for my sister and all the other women who participate.

Hopefully, a cure will soon be found for breast cancer, thanks to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Thank you so much!

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