Lorena Estrada’s Survivor Story
SURVIVOR STORY: LORENA ESTRADA SHARES HOW PERSEVERANCE SAVED HER LIFE
Lorena Estrada saved her life thanks to intuition. Although some doctors told her not to worry, she knew her body and knew something was wrong. She did not hesitate to seek other opinions or to undergo all the necessary tests until she knew for sure what was happening.
Lorena's strength, courage and perseverance are remarkable, which is why we are proud to be able to share a part of her story with you.
If you want to know more about Lorena, keep reading!
1.) If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would be a phoenix because I managed to rise from the ashes.
2.) When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
I was diagnosed on August 15, 2019 at the age of 24.
3.) How did you find out you had breast cancer?
I discovered it when I turned 22. I felt a lump and had strange cramps in my left breast. My maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer so I got scared and looked for help. In the first instance I went to the INCan (National Cancer Institute in Mexico) breast clinic, but they told me it was a little ball of fat and it was normal because I hadn't stopped breastfeeding for even a year and I couldn't have cancer at such an early age, but I didn't stay with that opinion because something inside me told me it was wrong. Later I went to the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) where they referred me to the Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital. However, the appointment was for 6 months later, and I knew that I could not wait any longer.
Fortunately, my best friend was in the boarding school at the General Hospital of Mexico and told me that they could treat me there. They did tests and at that time they ruled out cancer because nothing suspicious had come out in the ultrasound, they asked me to continue doing tests every 6 months and to self-examine myself carefully every month due to the history I had. By January 2019, the ultrasounds were normal, but the cramps continued and my lump was still the same size.
By May, the cramps were more frequent and intense. Also, out of nowhere a lump of approximately 5x3 cm grew in the lower part of my breast. I felt very, very scared because of the previous experiences and because my best friend was no longer in General Hospital. I went to my private gynecologist and he sent me for tests, but it was very difficult to find a clinic where they would perform a Doppler ultrasound of the breast.
On July 5, they performed the ultrasound and when I saw the face of the doctor who performed it, I knew I had cancer. The results showed BI-RADS category 4C (high suspicion of malignancy), but it had to be confirmed with a mammography and a biopsy.
With the results of this study, I went to the breast clinic at ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers) . During the consultation, they reviewed my tests, and gave me a check-up. The doctor's response froze me: "It's nothing, it's a benign fibroadenoma, but it's already big. I can remove it in the office with local anesthesia and for you to be calmer I'll do it. We’ll send it to pathology, so you have to do the paperwork and schedule the procedure.” To date, I still do not understand how there are doctors who claim that breast cancer only occurs in women over 40 years of age.
Thanks to all those bad experiences I came to FUCAM (Fundación de Cáncer de Mama). In a cry of desperation and fear that the cancer would progress further, on August 1st I arrived hoping to be treated.
To my surprise, I was able to see them right away. During the first consultation, the doctor was very kind and told me that I should have a biopsy. I thought they were going to schedule me for later, but I was able to see Dr. Janisse Kershenovich on an outpatient basis immediately, who asked me again about my history and performed an exam and biopsy. I remember him telling me: "Come over to that side, take off your clothes from the waist up and lie down." I felt no pain during the procedure.
When he finished and gave me instructions, he told me that in 10 business days, my results would be available and that I should be accompanied by a family member to learn of the results.
The 15 days that passed until then were uncertain, but I stayed positive. On August 15, I returned with my mother and Dr. Kershenovich confirmed what I already knew: I had ductal carcinoma in-situ and more studies should be done to find out the type and stage it was in.
That's where my fight with this disease began, but I will not forget the peace and tranquility that the doctor gave me at that time. I knew I was in the right place and with the right people who would help me beat cancer.
4.) Who was the first person you told about your illness?
The first person who knew was my mom. She went to the outcome appointment with me. Then I called my dad.
5.) Tell us something about yourself that people probably don’t know.
I suffered from anorexia at the age of 10 and for the 5 years following, I was obsessed with my weight. Until one day I ended up in the hospital for the same thing.
6.) After finishing your treatment, what do you want to spend more time on?
I want to enjoy my life, enjoy my daughter, and make young people aware of early detection of breast cancer.
7.) What advice would you give someone who has just been diagnosed?
I would tell them that it's okay to get angry, cry or feel depressed, but that you can't be like this all the time: treatment is 80% attitude and 20% medication.
8.) What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
When I was 16 years old, I thought that playing soccer and going out with my friends was the most important thing. Now I enjoy every moment like hugging my daughter, continuing with university, taking care of my body and dedicating time to myself and my mental health, as they are essential to feel well and happy.
9.) What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Living my life after cancer. When you start treatment you have the naive idea that life will be like before. Of course that doesn't happen, because your body, your mind, and your capacity are different: you get more tired, you forget many things, you are uncoordinated, and people doubt your abilities. In addition, all your life you will continue to be vigilant and in fear that the cancer will come back or a different type will grow.
In my case, another way the cancer has affected me is that I will not be able to have more children because part of the treatment to prevent it from coming back was a bilateral oophorectomy. Additionally, the side effects of the medication, having osteoporosis, constant headaches, and the bone pain are all something I must deal with regularly.
10.) When do you laugh the most?
I don't usually laugh a lot, but I do enjoy every moment. I laugh in a good chat with my friends or with my family, and also when I watch entertaining movies or stand-up.
11.) If you could go back in time to a particular moment, what would it be?
It would be 2017, when I saw my grandfather for the last time. He was my favorite person, the one who always supported me at all times, the one who always made me smile, the one who supported those who needed it most, who always had the right words when you asked him for advice. He was the wisest. The most loving grandfather that life could give me.
12.) If you could travel through time, where would you go and why?
Also 2017, when I saw my grandpa for the last time. I would hug him a lot… I miss him very much.