Breast Cancer My Story will help others
Donation protected
Medical and Personal Expenses Campaign.
My name is Nelly Rokovich-Alvarez, I am 48 years old, married and mother of two kids, 15 and 12. Sharing my story has been extremely difficult. I have kept it private from most of my family and friends, and even from my Mom and Dad.
However, time goes by and I feel that it is my responsibility to share my story with ALL WOMEN so we can help one another. So here I am today putting my fears and pride to the side and sharing my story with the world. If you are a family member or a friend who knows my parents, I am asking you kindly, not to share this news with them, that is my wish! To my dear family in DR, please forgive me for not sharing this with you before in a more personal way, which is the way you deserve it, the worse already past. I love you all!
If you are reading this and you were diagnosed with breast cancer, please reach out to me, I would love to be your friend in this mission. If you have never been faced with this disease, I hope you never do. Read, learn, educate yourself, your daughters, sisters, cousins, loved ones, get a second opinion, as questions, investigate, look at the Doctors and medical facilities reviews... A 3D Mammogram is not necessarily sufficient to find a tumor, get an ultrasound and if possible an MRI, this is the only test that revealed my tumor. And this is how it all happened.
On July 16th 2018 I was diagnosed with LOBULAR CARCINOMA BREAST CANCER, I also had other types of cells that sooner or later would have converted into cancer. I had three biopsies within three weeks and in August I had a bilateral mastectomy. Within a few weeks after the mastectomy my left arm started hurting a lot, I could barely move it. I had developed an Axillary Web Syndrome due to the removal of the lymph nodes, I had therapy for a few months. In October I had to undergo a second surgery of my left breast; in September I got an infection that lasted a few weeks, and this past month I had reconstructed surgery. In a few months I will go through another procedure and hopefully this will finalize this long and scary process.
“BREAST CANCER”, so common now a days despite all the research that has been done. Every day we hear women say: I was diagnosed with breast cancer; it is almost as common as saying: I got the flu, but having breast cancer is not just a passing ache. July 16 2018 changed my life forever. I picked up the phone and the only thing I heard was “it came back positive”. We are never ready to hear these four words. This was the most heartbreaking, devastating and frustrating news I had ever received.
From my Mom’s side of the family, three of my cousins died from breast cancer at a considerable young age (they will always be in our hearts). My mother would be devastated if she ever found out about me and it would probably shorten years of her life. I have missed her so much during this process, but I rather avoid seen her suffer. Same with my Dad.
After reading and learning so much about breast cancer, my heart tells me I got cancer due to the high level of stress that I have been under in the last few years of my life. It’s been said my many doctors including oncologists that long-term or chronic stress can weaken your immune system, leaving you prone to diseases like cancer. I have always been a happy workaholic, but at my last job I allowed the owners and direct supervisor to took advantage of me. I learned so much and truly enjoyed what I did, but for sure, not their management style. This included constant mistreatmand and verbal abuse, so the stress level increased every day. Unfortunately this lasted 15 long years, even though I felt a huge relief afterwards, it was very hurtful because I was very good to the owners, always worked with honesty, with high professionalism and my work was impeccable. Many people suggested I should leave, unfortunately I stayed. After losing my job I went through a depression, but I started applying for jobs almost right away, not been successful. My husband and I decided that it would be a good idea to go back to college to obtain a degree and give myself some time to get emotionally stable. I was very happy, getting straight As and working towards a goal. That gave my life purpose! But when I went to do my yearly mammogram, my future seemed uncertain again. Unfortunately, I had to put college on hold to concentrate on my health.
These two years have been very tough; I have relied on credit cards to buy groceries so they reached their limit, tried applying for different types of assistance, applied for a hardship program, sold personal items, and applied to a few foundations. It has been very challenging, but I have faith in God that things will change for good, “one day at a time”!!!
I have an amazing family that needs “the strong, active, busy and happy woman” they once had. My husband has been beside me at all times and is working day and night to continue providing for the family. It has been tough on him, he is amazing and I thank God every day for having him. There are other special people who have been helped me throughout this journey, my beautiful children, which are the main reason why I am sharing my story and asking for help, without them I don’t know what I would do. My amazing unconditional sister, we always tell each other: “I would die without you” and it is the truth; my loving brother in law, my special brother, my Dominican supportive friend and my two christian favorite women (my for ever unique and loving BFF and my dear loving cousin), they both helped me get closer to God and God has been my strength. And last but not least, my companion, she never leaves my side, is always willing to hear me, is the only one who knows how many times I have cried and I love her soooo much, that is my gorgeous yorkie, Chaky.
The funds are needed to pay for medical bills not covered by insurance and past due months of credit card bills. In the near future I would love to start working on a beautiful mission that will benefit teen and women as well as their families.
BREAST CANCER became an endless fight, however it has taught me:
• To have a special relationship with God; I learned what the power of faith is all about.
• To find My Real Mission in life!
• Not to take life for granted and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
• To treat my family with even more love than before, play, laugh, hug, kiss, give them peace and joy.
• That only tough people make it through rough times.
• That nothing happens in vane, everything happens for good.
• The importance of having a good nutrition, and learning about natural medicine.
I have learned a lot about breast cancer in general, the good and the bad about the health care system. To look for a second opinion, read, ask other patients about their experiences, investigate using different sources, research what doctors tell you, you will be surprised!
• I have help many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; this is part of my mission in life, it is so fulfilling, and it is what gives me the most satisfaction.
Women should be aware that as breast cancer patients we have rights, we may have different surgical options and these should be given to us before the fact. Doctors should be more open, alert patients of the expectations of each procedure, what am I going to feel after a mastectomy, physically and emotionally vs. a lumpectomy and radiation; what are the real pros and cons of each option. They should provide helpful resources to minimize the pain, stress and confusion we go through during this process. Life could still be beautiful if we receive the help and support we need when we have to face cancer. I have been lucky to meet wonderful nurses, therapists and doctors and I will always keep them in my heart.
From my heart, humble and respectfully, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story. My heart goes out to every woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. God bless you and may you be cured for ever.
Be healthy, be blessed!
My name is Nelly Rokovich-Alvarez, I am 48 years old, married and mother of two kids, 15 and 12. Sharing my story has been extremely difficult. I have kept it private from most of my family and friends, and even from my Mom and Dad.
However, time goes by and I feel that it is my responsibility to share my story with ALL WOMEN so we can help one another. So here I am today putting my fears and pride to the side and sharing my story with the world. If you are a family member or a friend who knows my parents, I am asking you kindly, not to share this news with them, that is my wish! To my dear family in DR, please forgive me for not sharing this with you before in a more personal way, which is the way you deserve it, the worse already past. I love you all!
If you are reading this and you were diagnosed with breast cancer, please reach out to me, I would love to be your friend in this mission. If you have never been faced with this disease, I hope you never do. Read, learn, educate yourself, your daughters, sisters, cousins, loved ones, get a second opinion, as questions, investigate, look at the Doctors and medical facilities reviews... A 3D Mammogram is not necessarily sufficient to find a tumor, get an ultrasound and if possible an MRI, this is the only test that revealed my tumor. And this is how it all happened.
On July 16th 2018 I was diagnosed with LOBULAR CARCINOMA BREAST CANCER, I also had other types of cells that sooner or later would have converted into cancer. I had three biopsies within three weeks and in August I had a bilateral mastectomy. Within a few weeks after the mastectomy my left arm started hurting a lot, I could barely move it. I had developed an Axillary Web Syndrome due to the removal of the lymph nodes, I had therapy for a few months. In October I had to undergo a second surgery of my left breast; in September I got an infection that lasted a few weeks, and this past month I had reconstructed surgery. In a few months I will go through another procedure and hopefully this will finalize this long and scary process.
“BREAST CANCER”, so common now a days despite all the research that has been done. Every day we hear women say: I was diagnosed with breast cancer; it is almost as common as saying: I got the flu, but having breast cancer is not just a passing ache. July 16 2018 changed my life forever. I picked up the phone and the only thing I heard was “it came back positive”. We are never ready to hear these four words. This was the most heartbreaking, devastating and frustrating news I had ever received.
From my Mom’s side of the family, three of my cousins died from breast cancer at a considerable young age (they will always be in our hearts). My mother would be devastated if she ever found out about me and it would probably shorten years of her life. I have missed her so much during this process, but I rather avoid seen her suffer. Same with my Dad.
After reading and learning so much about breast cancer, my heart tells me I got cancer due to the high level of stress that I have been under in the last few years of my life. It’s been said my many doctors including oncologists that long-term or chronic stress can weaken your immune system, leaving you prone to diseases like cancer. I have always been a happy workaholic, but at my last job I allowed the owners and direct supervisor to took advantage of me. I learned so much and truly enjoyed what I did, but for sure, not their management style. This included constant mistreatmand and verbal abuse, so the stress level increased every day. Unfortunately this lasted 15 long years, even though I felt a huge relief afterwards, it was very hurtful because I was very good to the owners, always worked with honesty, with high professionalism and my work was impeccable. Many people suggested I should leave, unfortunately I stayed. After losing my job I went through a depression, but I started applying for jobs almost right away, not been successful. My husband and I decided that it would be a good idea to go back to college to obtain a degree and give myself some time to get emotionally stable. I was very happy, getting straight As and working towards a goal. That gave my life purpose! But when I went to do my yearly mammogram, my future seemed uncertain again. Unfortunately, I had to put college on hold to concentrate on my health.
These two years have been very tough; I have relied on credit cards to buy groceries so they reached their limit, tried applying for different types of assistance, applied for a hardship program, sold personal items, and applied to a few foundations. It has been very challenging, but I have faith in God that things will change for good, “one day at a time”!!!
I have an amazing family that needs “the strong, active, busy and happy woman” they once had. My husband has been beside me at all times and is working day and night to continue providing for the family. It has been tough on him, he is amazing and I thank God every day for having him. There are other special people who have been helped me throughout this journey, my beautiful children, which are the main reason why I am sharing my story and asking for help, without them I don’t know what I would do. My amazing unconditional sister, we always tell each other: “I would die without you” and it is the truth; my loving brother in law, my special brother, my Dominican supportive friend and my two christian favorite women (my for ever unique and loving BFF and my dear loving cousin), they both helped me get closer to God and God has been my strength. And last but not least, my companion, she never leaves my side, is always willing to hear me, is the only one who knows how many times I have cried and I love her soooo much, that is my gorgeous yorkie, Chaky.
The funds are needed to pay for medical bills not covered by insurance and past due months of credit card bills. In the near future I would love to start working on a beautiful mission that will benefit teen and women as well as their families.
BREAST CANCER became an endless fight, however it has taught me:
• To have a special relationship with God; I learned what the power of faith is all about.
• To find My Real Mission in life!
• Not to take life for granted and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
• To treat my family with even more love than before, play, laugh, hug, kiss, give them peace and joy.
• That only tough people make it through rough times.
• That nothing happens in vane, everything happens for good.
• The importance of having a good nutrition, and learning about natural medicine.
I have learned a lot about breast cancer in general, the good and the bad about the health care system. To look for a second opinion, read, ask other patients about their experiences, investigate using different sources, research what doctors tell you, you will be surprised!
• I have help many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; this is part of my mission in life, it is so fulfilling, and it is what gives me the most satisfaction.
Women should be aware that as breast cancer patients we have rights, we may have different surgical options and these should be given to us before the fact. Doctors should be more open, alert patients of the expectations of each procedure, what am I going to feel after a mastectomy, physically and emotionally vs. a lumpectomy and radiation; what are the real pros and cons of each option. They should provide helpful resources to minimize the pain, stress and confusion we go through during this process. Life could still be beautiful if we receive the help and support we need when we have to face cancer. I have been lucky to meet wonderful nurses, therapists and doctors and I will always keep them in my heart.
From my heart, humble and respectfully, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story. My heart goes out to every woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. God bless you and may you be cured for ever.
Be healthy, be blessed!
Organizer
Nelly Alvarez
Organizer
Hammocks, FL