Meet Liane Brito. Here's her Survivor story.
It is amazing how cancer changes our perspective in life… our priorities… our vision of ourselves and the others… I have read that before, but now I am feeling it firsthand.
In October 2017, I went through a right breast lumpectomy due to some calcification, which was not cancer. After the biopsy, it did show cancerous cells. Neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy was needed. What a relief!
In February of the following year, I felt a lump in my breast. Yes, you read that right – L-U-M-P! Same breast, different area. There I go again for the same series of unfortunate (but life-saving) exams – mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, which age you 10 years in 2 months. (I am being dramatic!)
We – my husband and I - went to the doctor. When Dr. Noori gave us the diagnostic – “It’s cancer” or “You’ve got cancer”, to be honest, I do not remember which one she said. At that moment, I got scared, sad, and deaf as I could not hear a word she said afterwards. I had a feeling it was cancer, but still, nobody wants it to be true. In a matter of seconds, I saw a movie of my life; past, present, and future. The only thing I remember I told my doctor is that I had decided to do a double mastectomy.
Accepting the diagnostic was a very important part of the healing process. I never played the victim or asked “Why me?”. Why not me? Breast cancer can happen to anybody and I was not better than anyone else. I decided I would be the most important participant in my health and in my survivorship. I was ready to fight. As they say “Cancer messed up with the wrong chick!”.
I did not beat cancer alone. My healing was a teamwork. On top of my positive thinking, exercises of faith through prayers, I had a legion of angels with me. Celestial angels and earthy ones like my Mom, who left Brazil and stayed here with me for five months, my family, friends from all over the world, coworkers, doctors, nurses, and the support groups.
The only person who was not part of my healing process was my husband. It was his choice not to be with me. I did not know what hurt more - the cleaning of the four drains after the surgery or the fact that he was not there. And his choice made me fight even more as I had to survive both – cancer and divorce. And guess what? I did! I fought! I cried! I suffered! It was not easy! And I survived with flying colors and big smiles!
After that, chemo time! Sixteen sessions! I thought I was “Wonder Woman” and was certain my hair was not going to fall. But it sure did! Seeing my hair fall down was emotional, but even more emotional was realizing my eyelashes were falling as well. I clearly remember the very first one. It fell on my light blue shirt…That brought tears to my eyes. And slowly they were all gone.
On a happier note, it was amazing how many visitors, be well cards, flowers, phone calls, prayers I got. I had a very special visitor – my Godson Connor, who was three years young at that time. He came to the hospital carrying a “Get well!” balloon and a beautifully wrapped present. When he saw me, he gave me a hug, handed me the gifts and started singing “Happy birthday”. Balloon plus gift equals to birthday! That moment is in my mind forever and it shows that we need people, good people around us. Even if you do not know what to say, sing a happy song! Be there for that person!