Catalina, 36, Reunionese Breast Cancer Fighter
- SAINTE-ANNE, Reunion Island (AP) — Catalina, a 36-year-old mother from Reunion Island, has been battling breast cancer for more than two years, a fight she hopes will inspire...
- Catalina, originally from Sainte-Anne, received her breast cancer diagnosis in late November 2023.
- “I had been doing self-exams for a long time," Catalina said.
Table of Contents
- reunion Island Mother Shares Breast Cancer Journey, Message of Hope
- Reunion Island Mother’s Breast Cancer Journey: A Q&A
- What is Catalina’s story?
- When was Catalina diagnosed with breast cancer?
- How did Catalina discover she had breast cancer?
- How did Catalina handle telling her children about her diagnosis?
- What kind of family support did Catalina receive during her cancer treatment?
- What surgeries and treatments has Catalina undergone?
- What were the results of the tumor analysis?
- What is Catalina’s current treatment?
- What is Catalina’s message of hope for others?
- Can you summarize Catalina’s treatment timeline?
SAINTE-ANNE, Reunion Island (AP) — Catalina, a 36-year-old mother from Reunion Island, has been battling breast cancer for more than two years, a fight she hopes will inspire others facing similar challenges.
Diagnosis and Initial Reaction
Catalina, originally from Sainte-Anne, received her breast cancer diagnosis in late November 2023.
“I had been doing self-exams for a long time,” Catalina said. “One morning in october 2023, I felt a lump in my right breast. After seeing a doctor, an ultrasound, and a mammogram, I learned that I had breast cancer.”
Family Support During Treatment
Catalina shared the news with her two children, ages 7 and 11, from the beginning. “I spoke to my children from the start,” she explained. “It was not easy every day, physically and emotionally, but I was lucky to have my parents and my family. They were always there to drop off or pick up my children from school or help with homework when I had appointments.”
Surgery and Subsequent Treatments
In February 2024, Catalina underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Doctors discovered two tumors in the same breast during the operation.
“The operation went well, and the tumors were analyzed,” Catalina said. “Results: aggressive tumors with a micro-metastasis in a 4-inch lymph node.”
Following the surgery, she completed 20 physiotherapy sessions and underwent another operation in April 2024 for the placement of a port for chemotherapy. “The chemo started right after until September,” she said. “I then had a month of radiotherapy until the end of November 2024.”
Ongoing Hormone Therapy and Outlook
As the beginning of 2025, Catalina has been receiving hormone therapy. “I also have a pill to take every day for a minimum of five years,” she said.”I fight above all to be there again for my children, and I have faith in God. Despite the disease, I am well.”
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
Catalina offers a message of hope to others facing similar battles: “We must keep hope. Medicine has evolved well, and even if we have side effects as of the treatments that are heavy, there are solutions to mitigate them. Each person is different and reacts differently in the face of treatments. We must not hesitate to talk about what is wrong because the treatments can, in some cases, be changed.”
Reunion Island Mother’s Breast Cancer Journey: A Q&A
What is Catalina’s story?
Catalina, a 36-year-old mother residing in Sainte-Anne, Reunion Island, is sharing her experience of battling breast cancer for over two years. She hopes her fight will inspire others facing similar challenges.
When was Catalina diagnosed with breast cancer?
Catalina received her breast cancer diagnosis in late November 2023.
How did Catalina discover she had breast cancer?
Catalina discovered a lump in her right breast in October 2023. After a doctor’s visit, ultrasound, and mammogram, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
How did Catalina handle telling her children about her diagnosis?
Catalina shared the news with her two children, ages 7 and 11, from the beginning.
What kind of family support did Catalina receive during her cancer treatment?
Catalina was fortunate to have the support of her parents and family throughout her treatment. They helped with childcare and homework when she had appointments.
What surgeries and treatments has Catalina undergone?
Catalina’s treatments included:
- Surgery to remove the tumors in february 2024.Two tumors were discovered during the operation.
- 20 physiotherapy sessions.
- A subsequent operation in April 2024 for a port placement for chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy from April to September.
- Radiotherapy until the end of November 2024.
What were the results of the tumor analysis?
The tumors were aggressive and had a micro-metastasis in a 4-inch lymph node.
What is Catalina’s current treatment?
As of the beginning of 2025, Catalina has been undergoing hormone therapy. She also takes a daily pill for a minimum of five years.
What is Catalina’s message of hope for others?
Catalina emphasizes the importance of hope, highlighting the advancements in medicine and the availability of solutions to mitigate treatment side effects. She encourages open interaction about concerns, as treatments can sometiems be adjusted.
Can you summarize Catalina’s treatment timeline?
Here’s a timeline of Catalina’s major treatments:
| Treatment | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Late November 2023 |
| Surgery | February 2024 |
| Physiotherapy | After Surgery: 20 sessions |
| Port Placement for Chemotherapy | April 2024 |
| Chemotherapy | April to September 2024 |
| Radiotherapy | Until the end of November 2024 |
| Hormone Therapy | As of the beginning of 2025,ongoing minimum of 5 years |