My Story
For those who don’t know me, my name is Vanessa Prudencio Huertas. Some of you know me as Bess. On April 1, 2022, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, in layman’s terms, Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I was in for the ride of my life.
I started chemo on May 20, 2022 Chemo was not easy. 6-8 hours of treatment every 3 weeks for 4 months (6 total treatments). 1-2 weeks of recovery time, so once I was able to get back on my feet, I had to go right back to chemo. Side effects of chemo are the worst! I lost my hair, lost my taste for a few days after each treatment, was super weak and nauseous, consistent stomach pains, mouth sores, and so much more. I couldn’t even go up our stairs by myself. Towards the last days, I started throwing up for days after chemo. After my last treatment, I was so relieved. Finally chemo was done, or so I thought…
After chemo, I decided to have a double mastectomy. I felt like it was an easy choice for me. I had talked to so many survivors and they all told me that the cancer came back on the other breast. Whether it be 2 years, 5 years, 10 years later, it came back. So I thought, if I didn’t have it, it won’t come back, so I opted to take both breasts out. During surgery, they found a minuscule amount of cancer left in my breast tissue. They weren’t able to take it out, so back to chemo I went.
My 2nd round of treatment wasn’t as severe as my first round. 4-6 hours of treatment every 3 weeks for 9 months (10 total treatments). 2-4 days or recovery time this time around so not as harsh. My last chemo treatment was on August 22, 2023 and I was finally in remission!
This journey has been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through in my whole life. I met the most broken version of me, but also the strongest. I couldn’t have done it without the love, support and prayers of all my family and friends. I can’t thank you all enough for all the thoughts, prayers, hugs, calls, texts, flowers, food, goodies and everything in between. I have truly felt every prayer you all have prayed and for that I will forever be grateful.
Now, I have to take a pill (Tamoxifen) every day for about 10 years and I get a shot (Lupron) every 4 weeks for about 5 years. Side effects are minimal, but at least not as bad as chemo. I started my reconstruction journey a couple months ago so pls continue to keep me in your prayers.
The Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk holds a special place in my heart. I walk to remind myself of what I went through and what I overcame. This will be my 3rd year walking so please consider joining me in this fight against Breast Cancer.
Ending breast cancer needs all of us, and your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.
Will you please join me in this fight by making your donation or register to walk with me today?
