Araceli // Stage 3 Breast Cancer Survivor

Age: 29 years old

From: Grandview, WA

What treatments did you undergo during your journey? Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and immuno therapy.

What were your signs/symptoms leading up to your diagnosis? Nipple discharge of one breast.

How did cancer alter your lifestyle? Mentally draining, easily physically exhausted, new adjustments to body acceptance, much more emotional than I used to be, became rooted in Gods word and my faith grew.

What makes your story unique or helpful to others? My young age of diagnosis, I was only 27. The knowledge of the amount of younger woman also being diagnosed that can relate to what I felt and what I went through. At my time of under going treatment I didn’t know of anyone with any type of cancer. It was a sad and scary journey. I would like to share any piece of advice or word that can help other woman.

Any advice for those coming behind you? Be strong and have faith, one day you will look back and see how far you’ve come, just hold on, it will get better. I promise.

Do you have a funny cancer story? I had a black wig that I would wear often, then switched to a blonde wig. My son never told his friends I had cancer… he told them I had dyed my hair blonde. He tells me “mom you have to wear your blonde wig everyday when you pick me up from school because I told my friends you dyed your hair blonde, please”. I could only laugh but I also questioned how my son felt.

Favorite quote, scripture or song? Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. My favorite song is “Fires” by Jordan St. Cyr

How did you hear about Brighter? How has it made a difference? I was living in Texas and a friend invited me to a Pickleball tournament where I came across Brighter Magazine. I’ve learned some great information and it definitely makes a difference in one’s life.