Cesilia De Jesus, 41yrs old
Puerto Rican

Diagnosed on May 26, 2021 with Stage 3, Triple Negative, Invasive Intraductal Breast Cancer
BRCA negative

Having had no family history of cancer. let alone breast cancer, you can imagine my shock when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of 41. I found the lump myself, and by the time I started chemotherapy treatment my tumor had doubled in size.
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Because of the density of my breast tissue, that they described as “extremely dense,” a double mastectomy was strongly recommended. Breast density t alone proves to be a risk factor for developing breast cancer. I was in shock. What would I do? What did I need to recover from such an enormous surgery. Enter BRCA Strong.

Not only did BRCA Strong provide me with helpful tools to recover from my surgery but their Instagram page has become a consistent fountain of information, encouragement and connection within the breast cancer community. I first learned about exactly what triple negative breast cancer was through a helpful talk they did with a doctor via an Instagram live video. It is evident that Tracy and her team are passionate about educating others about the realities and dangers of breast cancer.
I underwent my double mastectomy and am about to enter a clinical trial because unfortunately the tumor never responded to the traditional chemotherapy regimen. I know if I ever have a question that I can come to BRCA Strong and they will do their best to find me an answer.

Thank you for being there for me and for everyone who has to battle this terrible disease.

Con mucho cariño,

Cesilia