NOTE: The name and specific details have been changed at the individual's request to protect their identity and privacy.
Today, September 24th, on Cancer Research Day, we want to share a story of courage and resilience. Through the voice of Clara, a breast cancer survivor, she shares not only the challenges she faced but also the lessons she learned along the way.
Join us in this conversation with her that shows us that after the storm, even with clouds in the sky, we can see rays of sunshine.
Medical Profile
Personal Information:
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Condition: Breast Cancer
Diagnosis and Discovery:
It all started unexpectedly when, during a workday, she noticed an unusual sensation in her chest. Although her coworkers suggested not to worry, she felt something was off and decided to seek medical attention. This act of bravery proved crucial, leading to an early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Her family history already indicated cases of colon and prostate cancer, making her more aware of the importance of paying attention to her body’s signs. During her treatment, it was discovered that her breast cancer was related to a medication she was taking for menopause. Fortunately, she did not need chemotherapy, though she did experience side effects, including a burning sensation and mild lymphedema in one arm.
Today, this brave woman shares her experience not just to tell her story, but also to inspire those facing similar situations.
Interview Discussion
Thank you for agreeing to share your experience with us and for welcoming us into your home. We know that discussing this can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to inspire many others.
Thank you! I’m happy, excited, and a little nervous—why deny it?—to share my story. I’ve always believed that experiences can help people in similar situations, and I want to try to make my contribution.
I’m sure you’ll be a great help—don’t doubt that. Well, we know why we’re here, and it’s because you’ve overcome cancer. So, I think the first and foremost question is: how do you feel now after beating breast cancer?
Fortunately, I’m feeling much better now. Overcoming breast cancer was a journey full of ups and downs, but I’m grateful for all the people who supported me along the way and for having the courage to fight it. Now I can enjoy life in a completely different way.
And how has this experience impacted your daily life and perspective on life?
I’ll tell you, this experience changed everything. As I mentioned when you arrived, I’m now able to prioritize and know what truly matters. For example, I’ve always been a very tidy person, and there were times when my kids or my parents asked me to spend time together to chat or watch a video, and I’d say I couldn’t because I had to clean. Now, I wouldn’t even think of doing that.
Discovering something like that must have been a shocking moment. I imagine no one is really prepared for something so unexpected. How was it for you? Was there any sign that made you suspicious?
It was totally random because I was working and noticed something strange in my chest. My coworkers said I was exaggerating, but I had never felt that sensation before. I must say that with the other women I met in my situation, none of them had that feeling.
Receiving news like that must feel like being doused with a bucket of cold water. How did you feel when you got the diagnosis?
At first, it felt like the world stopped. I felt a mix of fear and confusion. It was something I never thought would happen to me. After hearing the word “cancer,” a cascade of thoughts rushed in—my mind was filled with questions: why me? What will happen to my family? It was a real emotional whirlwind.
We know that cancer treatment can be physically challenging, but also emotionally exhausting. Was there any moment during the process that felt especially tough? What helped you push through?
Without a doubt, the beginning of treatment was the hardest. Accepting the diagnosis was overwhelming, and the days of uncertainty weighed heavily on me. I got through those moments by surrounding myself with love. My loved ones were there for me, and that helped me find the light in the darkness.
You mentioned that there were other cases of cancer in your family. I imagine having that reference influenced how you experienced your own fight. How did it impact you?
Well, my mother was a warrior. She fought her own battle and always taught me to be strong. Her struggle gave me a role model to follow and, above all, to not give up.
There’s no doubt that in moments like these, the support from those who care about us becomes crucial. What role did your loved ones play in your process?
Fundamental. My kids and my dog provided me with unconditional support. Every shared laugh, every tear, every gesture of affection helped me feel less alone. Their presence reminded me that life goes on, and that motivated me to keep moving forward.
You mentioned that after the intervention, they discovered that your case was triggered by a medication you took for menopause. How did you feel when you found out?
Frustrated—“angry,” as we say here. Because I already had to deal with hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, mood swings... and then this medication caused that. But well, I bought a portable fan to cope with the hot flashes. What can you do?
Sometimes, in the midst of treatments and consultations, it’s easy to feel like not everything we should know is explained to us. What was your experience with the doctors regarding the medication? Were you informed about the risks, or did you feel there was a lack of clarity?
Honestly, I think there was a lot of lack of clarity. It’s not talked about enough. When it was prescribed to me, it was almost routine: “Take this and you’ll feel better.” I didn’t even need a prescription. There was never a real conversation about the potential long-term risks. I wish they had explained more to me, that I’d been given the opportunity to truly understand what I was taking. At that moment, I trusted, but now I feel the decision wasn’t fully informed.
Taking care of yourself after going through something like this can take many forms, and it’s not always easy to find what works best for you. How do you take care of yourself now to maintain your health and ensure everything goes well?
Honestly, I’m not perfect at this self-care thing. I tried to quit smoking, but I’ll be honest—I didn’t last more than three days. And there are days when stress gets to me, and even though I know I should stop, I keep pushing because… well, that’s just who I am.
But I’ve learned that it’s not all black and white. I take care of myself in ways I never imagined: like when I let my balcony turn into a disaster area full of dirt and twigs because being there with the plants calms me, or when I choose not to obsess over cleaning every corner of the house and instead sit down to chat. Sometimes, taking care of my health is simply giving myself permission not to be perfect, not to follow every rule to the letter, and still trust that I’m doing the best I can.
The emotional aspect is something that’s often not discussed enough in these processes. How do you feel your emotional well-being has influenced your recovery?
I think if I hadn’t allowed myself to feel everything I felt—from the deepest fear to the simplest joy of an afternoon with my kids—it would have been much harder. Accepting that I wasn’t always going to be okay, that I had the right to cry or feel frustrated, helped me not get stuck in those moments. Doing crafts, rewatching movies, or turning on the TV for a bit… all of that gave me space to process my emotions, to heal from the inside out. It’s like my body was fighting the cancer, but my mind was working to keep me from falling apart. And that’s key.
Your experience is undoubtedly a source of learning for many. If you could share something with others going through a similar situation, what would you say to help them move forward?
I’d tell them to allow themselves to feel whatever they feel. There’s no “right” way to deal with this. They should seek support, vent, shout, cry, do whatever their body tells them to feel a little lighter. You know what I mean? And above all, never lose hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and thanks to advancements in medicine with personalized treatments, early detection… even AI, which is so trendy now, that light is getting brighter and that tunnel is getting shorter.
And now, after all this, what dreams or projects inspire you for the future?
I might sound a bit silly, but I want to open a craft workshop where I can share my passion and help others find their creativity. I’ve also started to really enjoy gardening, and I’ve even planted my own garlic, potatoes, and some flowers. Watching them bloom, especially in the tiny space I have, inspires me, and I see it as a symbol that life finds a way to carve out its space regardless of the circumstances.
We want to express our sincerest gratitude to Clara for sharing her story with us. We hope her experience serves as a beacon for all those facing similar challenges. . To you, who have gone through or are currently going through this struggle, remember that you are not alone; there is a path to the light. And if you need support or guidance, you can always count on the specialized organization and associations against cancer in your country.
We also extend our recognition to all the doctors and healthcare professionals who dedicate countless hours to research and patient care. Their commitment is essential to improving the lives of those facing cancer and other diseases.
At Duponte, we continue to fight to ensure that the pharmacological interactions like those our protagonist experienced do not happen again. Our goal is to make personalized medicine accessible to everyone and to ensure that the patient's genomic profile is present in every medical consultation.
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