Araceli V., Looking to the Future with Hope
Avis de non-responsabilité : Know Your Lemons accorde une grande importance et un grand respect aux expériences et aux récits des patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein. Les conseils, déclarations ou faits présentés dans ces récits ne correspondent pas nécessairement à l'expertise médicale ou ne sont pas universellement applicables à la situation de chaque personne. Le cancer du sein est une maladie complexe et très individualisée, et bien que ces récits offrent des informations précieuses et un soutien émotionnel, ils ne doivent pas se substituer à un avis médical ou à un traitement professionnel. Consultez toujours un professionnel de la santé qualifié pour obtenir des conseils personnalisés et prendre des décisions concernant le diagnostic, le traitement et la prise en charge du cancer du sein. Know Your Lemons encourage une approche collaborative entre les patients, les soignants et les professionnels de la santé afin d'assurer les meilleurs soins et résultats possibles pour les personnes touchées par le cancer du sein.
My name is Araceli Vargas, and my story is one of courage, resilience, and benefiting from taking time to be still and listen to my body. At just 27 years old, my journey with breast cancer began when I discovered a lump in my left breast. It felt hard and oddly shaped, like a horizontal line. Initially, doctors reassured me it was benign, even diagnosing it as a “fibroadenoma” that didn’t require immediate concern. However, I noticed additional symptoms, including nipple discharge, and persisted in seeking answers. Encouraged by my sister, I underwent an MRI, which ultimately revealed a malignant tumor requiring immediate action.
In October of last year, I was diagnosed with stage 3A Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. My tumor measured an alarming 9.5 cm, with five of thirteen lymph nodes testing positive. Despite the overwhelming diagnosis, I faced it head-on. I underwent a double mastectomy, six months of chemotherapy, and 28 rounds of radiation. Through it all, my faith, the love of my husband and son, and my determination to keep fighting provided me with unshakable strength.
My positive outlook helped me find light in the darkest times. This journey has taught me to trust my body, be persistent, and remain hopeful. Today, I am proud to have completed my treatments and am looking forward to full recovery following my recent DIEP flap reconstruction surgery.
The Know Your Lemons Foundation helps empower people with the knowledge to perform self-exams and recognize the signs of breast cancer. As a follower of them on Instagram, I learned about the 12 signs of breast cancer and how to properly conduct self-checks. Also would like to emphasize the importance of breast health tools like the Know Your Lemons app, which provide life-saving guidance for women and men.
I want to share my story to encourage others to be self advocates. If something doesn’t feel right with your body, be persistent. Listen to your body and watch symptoms closely. I also want to encourage others to keep fighting no matter how hard it is, have faith, I promise it will get better! I think it is very important to be positive throughout this journey. I found beauty in such a difficult time of distress in my life. I believe everything happens for a reason and there is a purpose behind all of this. I would love to help other women going through this journey in life. I’m looking forward to being done with surgery and head on to my road of recovery. Hang in there warriors! You got this! Prayers and blessings💕Download the Know Your Lemons app today to learn the 12 signs of breast cancer and start your journey toward empowerment and early detection.
