This year has already had so many surprises, but breast cancer has been the most challenging surprise yet. I’m a Latina, first generation college grad. This year, I got accepted into medical school, engaged, and to my surprise, I was also diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer (DCIS) on May 27, 2020.

I never thought I’d be diagnosed with breast cancer.

And why should I?

I’m 27. I have no family history. I’m not a carrier of the BRCA genes. I’m healthy and active.

But still, here I am. 

While it was hard to process my cancer diagnosis, I was not surprised because I had spent a year having my symptoms dismissed because of my age and family history. My left nipple had a scab and discharge was coming out of it, sometimes yellowish-clear and other times red.

Telling my family and friends I had cancer was difficult because I didn’t want to burden them with fear or worry. Everyone cried, but they were all supportive and positive I’d get through this. Losing my breasts wasn’t as difficult to process as having to lose one of my nipples or having to explain to family/friends why I chose to remove both breasts. But I focused on the positives and what matters is I am alive and well!

I cannot stress the importance of getting a second opinion!

Mainly because you want to be confident in and comfortable with the surgeon who is doing one of your most life-altering surgeries. My first breast surgeon gave me the news I had cancer and the choice to keep my “healthy” breast. They didn’t explain my condition or their plan of action the way I expected. In fact, the eight minutes I sat with them was not enough time to explain very much at all about anything. 

As a result, I went for a second opinion and it was a completely different experience. This breast surgeon spent over an hour explaining to my family and I the type of breast cancer I had and what it meant, gave us a detailed course of action and was empathetic I had to face this at such a young age.

I already had my mind made up to have a double mastectomy and my new breast surgeon agreed that it was best for me. Although I only had cancer in one breast, there was no guarantee that in the future I wouldn’t get cancer in my other. Had I kept my “healthy” breast, I would have had to take a medication called Tamoxifen, which has a very extensive list of negative side effects. (Disclaimer: according to my oncologist, I was not a candidate for this medication because my cancer was not genetic and both breasts were removed, so there would be no benefits for me.) Lastly, I’d live a life of mammograms and screenings every six months for the rest of my life! Not to mention, I’d live in fear and worry of getting breast cancer again.

Almost three weeks after my diagnosis, I had a double mastectomy and expanders put in June 15, 2020. 

Recovery has been extremely difficult and I wouldn’t wish this pain or experience on ANYONE! Luckily, I still live at home because in Puerto Rican culture, you stay home until you’re married. I can say with certainty I have only gotten through this with my family’s help, especially my mom.

Here is a small list of items I recommend that made my recovery easier:

Handheld Shower Head

Shower Chair

Seat Belt Pillow

Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow

Button Down Pajamas

While I will not need chemotherapy, I may need radiation. With medical school starting so soon, I had to discuss all of the what-if’s with my surgeons and oncologists. I began to overthink and fear the possibility that I’d have to miss a semester of medical school or possibly have to delay my start for another year. However, I decided that I wouldn’t let any of this stop me from achieving my dream of becoming a doctor!

Due to COVID-19, my medical school classes will start online! So not only will I get to stay home and complete my radiation treatments (if needed), I won’t miss a day of medical school!

Cancer has helped my family and friends grow closer. It has also encouraged me to share my story and spread awareness, not only to other women of all ages, but to physicians as well!