VLS Employee Encourages Self-Check, Get more Opinions & Hope

Only 3 percent of cases diagnosed with Breast Cancer are from those under the age of 30, and I was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer on my right breast in April 2022. I’m Mayte Acosta, and I’m 29 years old.

Early Detection

After feeling a lump, I immediately scheduled a check-up.  My family has a history of fibroadenoma breast cases. After a false-negative tru-cut biopsy and surgery to remove the mass, doctors told me that I had hormone-positive cancer and a radical mastectomy was necessary due to the lump’s size.

Rare Case

My case is uncommon, and with being so young, the doctors’ recommendations were dismal.  I have the genetic variant BRCA2, therefore, my mother and sister have it, and we only learned this in April.  Early detection is key and helping others to understand is everyone's task.

The recommendations for conventional treatments, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, egg freezing and hormone therapy, were not going to give me the quality of life I desired.

After many doctor appointments and much research and reading everything family and I could find, I met one of the best Breast Cancer Specialist Doctors in Mexico.

My Treatment

This Doctor understood me, and he performed every test possible to find the best solution for me and to create as much ease as possible. In the first consultation, he said, “I see you, you are very calm, Mayte.”  I replied, “Doctor, I have been crying for a week. Now, I need to act and know what to do.”

April 29, 2022, Mexico City, I had my mastectomy resulting in negative my lymph nodes indicating the cancer had not spread to other organs.  Talk about relief.  I still remember waking up from surgery, and feeling relief, and the news was priceless.  Thus, radiotherapy was not necessary. 

My Oncologist and Surgeon Oncologist recommended I take the Oncotype test, thereby determining that chemotherapy was not necessary. Happiness filled my entire body and soul as now I didn’t have to freeze my eggs.

Currently, I only have my hormone treatments, which will continue to help me throughout my life. Although, it’s adjustment for my life, I’m just grateful.

I am a success story because I chose to act immediately, get checked and sought out research and doctors beyond the first opinion of one doctor.  I highly recommend everyone do that.  

Reconstruction

October 17, 2022, I have my reconstruction surgery, and frankly I am hopeful, full of happiness and excitement.

I’m so thankful for my family and friends who supported me throughout this entire process, without them I would not have been able to cope.  I don’t know that I can ever repay them; however, their strength, love and support changed my life for the better so that I could get through some of the saddest days of my life.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1, 2022 brought up a lot of emotions, and I still don't understand how I feel about this month.

I do know self-check and immediate action helped change the Breast Cancer into My Success Story.  Self-check daily, and if you find anything take immediate action. Early detection saved me.

I hope that no one ever receives the news I received in April 2022; however, if they do, my hope is that they experience as much ease and kindness as I did.

VLS Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VLS supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Thank you for supporting and learning more about VLS Cares.  

#VLSCares #BCAM