Recently Mrs. Fuentes spoke of her ordeal at a Breast Cancer Awareness event held by United Medical Centers.
Fuentes stated that being diagnosed with Cancer had taken out every last breath of air from her body.
She recalled the very day, back in September 2013 when the doctor uttered the very words “You have Breast Cancer.”
Fuentes stated that she was in disbelief because she had been having breast exams since she turned 40 years old, and an early examination had turned out normal.
She was now facing 4th stage Breast Cancer that had spread throughout the breast.
Fuentes recalls that she felt anger, anguish and a lot of other emotions at the time when she was given the bad news.
She then was shaken by her reality and either you give up or you fight to survive.
In September 2013 her Biopsy procedure results confirmed the earlier diagnosis.
At that time Fuentes states that she broke down in tears and how she was comforted by her family and co-workers.
Fuentes was then faced with a decision. She decided to undergo a double bilateral Mastectomy against the recommendations of the medical surgeon.
“Once it was done they performed a pathology test and notified me that both breasts had come out positive in cancerous cells,” said Fuentes.
Ultimately, that decision saved her life. Fuentes moved on to the next step in her treatment, which was Chemotherapy and Radiation treatment. Fuentes tearfully explained how it took a lot from her, including loss of hair which she now recalls with showing off her hair that has completely grown back. "I've even had my haircut after all that,” said Fuentes with a gleeful smile.
Since then she has continued to stay positive in order to fight for her survival.
“Knowing that there were so many people from the community who cared about me has really helped out a lot,” added Fuentes.
Back in 2013 the Doctors who attended to Fuentes told her that she was cancer free after all the procedures had been done, but that they could not call her a survivor until after 5 years.
September of this year, it's been 6 years since she was diagnosed, and she can now call herself a survivor of one of the greatest battles that any human being can go through.
“I do want to tell anyone who has a loved one or is going through this, you are not alone and you can do this. If anyone needs someone to talk to while going through this I'd be glad to
visit and be there for you,” concluded Fuentes.