Young Mother Shares her Journey after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

WINTERVILLE, N.C. - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Claudia de Sosa was only 28 years old when she found out she had breast cancer. She had noticed a change in the size of one her breasts, and then the nipple started to retract.

“It was stage 3 breast cancer,” she says. “The first thing that comes to your mind is that you won’t make it.”

Originally from Honduras, de Sosa, moved to the U.S. because of her husband’s job. Her son was 4 years old at the time of her diagnosis. With no other family members nearby, her mother came to help while de Sosa received treatment.

“At one point I couldn’t go outside to play with my son, couldn’t go to the supermarket,” de Sosa says. “At the beginning it was very hard. That’s when you realize you have an illness, and others are taking care of you, and you have to fight for your son, your mother, your husband, and yourself.”

After receiving a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, de Sosa also received radiation therapy under the care of Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Cynthia A. Ballenger, M.D., with Carolina Radiation Medicine, a division of 21^st Century Oncology.

“Though many breast cancer cases occur in women post-menopause, this is not always the case,” says Dr. Ballenger. “In addition to diagnosis through a mammogram, there are warning signs to look out for at home, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to bring these to the forefront. Women who find a lump in their breast, a change in the size or shape, color or a dimple on the skin, or notice any fluid output that is not breast milk should contact their physician immediately.”

Now 30, de Sosa is still going to regular check-ups, but she says that everything looks good for the time being. She talks often to others about her breast cancer journey so they know that they can make it too.

“The doctors saved my life,” de Sosa says. “Thanks to them I’m able to wake up every day, see my son, and say I love you to him and my husband.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and de Sosa is sharing her journey to help raise awareness and hope for other women fighting the disease.

“For people in the same situation, don’t feel discouraged,” she continues. “It’s not easy, especially when you have responsibilities, especially if you have children; but you have to think that you are walking through fire and it’s a test in your life. After that test you will become stronger. If you fight, make it to the other side, you will be a winner and share your story with others and help them fight, too.”

For more information about Carolina Radiation Medicine, a division of 21^st Century Oncology, visit www.21cOncologyEasternNC.com or call (252) 329-0025.

About 21^st Century Oncology:

21^st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 175 radiation treatment centers, including 140 centers located in 16 states. The company also operates 35 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.