Melinda Rivas
Mother, Daughter Survivor
I was 48 years old when this amazing Journey started. August 7, 2012 I was told by Doctor that I had Stage 2 Ductal Carcinoma Cancer in my left Breast. I was devasted and thought what am I going to do. Single mother of 17-year-old twins starting their Senior year in high at the time. My Oncologist gave me my treatment plan that was best for me, and I begin my Journey to Survivorship.
One week later August 12, 2012 I had surgery left breast to remove the Tumor. Surgery was successful. I had to wait several weeks for a little healing and then 8 weeks of radiation was upon me. Being a single mother I didn’t want to use all of my sick time for me due to the fact that my soon was a football player and if something happened to him during football season I wanted to be available for him. So I had a meeting with my supervisor at my place of employment and enlighten him of my Medical situation. I asked if I could go to my Radiation treatment appointments during my lunch hour everyday Monday thru Friday for 8 weeks. It was a tough time for me some days I was exhausted, but knew I had to remain positive and I would get through this difficult time in my life. I always tried my best to remain myself with my personality, smile , kindness, as I am a Social Worker who helps others and I never wanted anyone to know my Medical situation at the time. Well I completed my Radiation treatments 2 months later, and then start Tamoxifen Medication Treatment another hurdle but I did it and held my head up high and remained positive and my Blessings speak for itself. I just celebrated 10 years Cancer Free August 12, 2022. I celebrated with my family and very close
friends who have been a part of this amazing Journey called “Survivorship”.
I will continue this journey with Love, Kindness, and Faith as I can not do it all by myself.
I have met great people along the way and have counseled them along their Journey and it has been a Blessing.
Thank You
Melinda Rivas, M.A