24. Dina's story
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| Photo credit: Murphy Mejorada |
It was slightly uncanny that an illness and social media would open the opportunity to reunite two former ballet friends, but it did! I have the great privilege and permission to share with you a piece of Dina’s journey and how she’s an inspiration to many including myself.
As a portrait artist and entrepreneur,
Dina’s day consists of a myriad of projects where she is constantly in a state
of envisioning and creating new pieces of art to showcase. March 2018 placed an abrupt hold on the
daily grind when Dina discovered a palpable mass one morning in one of her
breasts. After prompt medical evaluation
three small masses isolated to the right breast were positive for papillary
cell carcinoma- a rare form of breast cancer, which accounts for less than 1%
of diagnoses. Although uncommon, this
particular type of cancer fortunately has a good prognosis.
Dina had a series of tests ranging from
imaging to genetics followed by lengthy periods of waiting between
results. Her steadfast support system
in California has helped to take her mind off of the unknowns by arranging
trips to Disneyland and catching up on quality time. Dina expressed that throughout the haze of
attending doctors’ appointments and making decisions about her health that she
found comfort in her art. She never lost
sight of the things that bring warmth into her life. Dina was ready to put up a fight.
Given the rare nature of papillary cell
carcinoma in the breast, the battle plans were carefully thought out prior to
proceeding with a treatment plan. The genetic testing returned negative for the
9 most common hereditary causes of breast cancer. It was determined that Dina would benefit
from a single mastectomy of the right breast as her first form of
treatment. More deliberations would be
warranted before deciding on whether or not chemotherapy vs. radiation vs.
hormonal therapy would be pursued next.
Toward the end of July, the single mastectomy was successfully carried
out.
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| Photo credit: Murphy Mejorada |
The amount of pain and loss of what was
formerly so familiar and intimate was difficult to put into words, but alas-
the cancerous tissue was removed. Dina
is currently still in recovery from this operation, and her spirits remain
lifted. It’s easy to give up when hit
with waves of indescribable soreness and sharp jabs of pain around the surgery
sites. Although we are several miles and a few time
zones apart, Dina’s strength is contagious. Her gentle, empathetic spirit encourages me
in my own journey, and the beauty of her testimony will touch the lives of
countless others. This terrible disease
does not have the final say. For there
is hope in healing, faith amidst trials, and strength in numbers.
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