by Katie Almazan

My mom is the strongest person I know. Her resilience has always inspired me, but when she faced breast cancer head-on, her strength truly shined. One piece of advice she gave me, advice that I believe could save more lives, is this: know your body well.

The Beginning: Knowing Something Was Off

It was early in the year, during a routine doctor’s visit, when my mom first mentioned feeling unusually tired. She described feeling drained of energy, with no motivation, and a sense that her body just wasn’t functioning at its best. Her doctor ran the usual tests and did a thorough check-up, but everything came back normal.

Still, my mom insisted that something wasn’t right. She knew her body well enough to sense that something was off. Determined to get to the bottom of it, she pushed for an MRI. Reluctantly, her doctor agreed—and that decision saved her life.

During the MRI, they found a microball in her breast. It was small, so small that it had almost gone undetected. This tiny mass signaled a need for further investigation, and soon, we were sitting with an oncologist who explained what this discovery could mean.

The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment

A biopsy confirmed what we feared—the small mass was cancerous. We caught it early, incredibly early, and because of that, there was hope. More tests revealed that while my mom wouldn't need a mastectomy, she did need a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous mass and check if the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.

The surgery was a success, but recovery was slow and difficult. With support from family and friends, my mom bravely faced each day of healing. We were fortunate to learn that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes, a huge relief that gave us hope for the road ahead.

Treatment: The Battle Against Cancer

The next battle came quickly: radiation. Within days of surgery, my mom began radiation treatments to ensure no rogue cells were left behind and to reduce the risk of recurrence. The doctors and radiology team were amazing, but the treatment took a toll.

Radiation left her exhausted and burned. Her skin, especially around the area of treatment, became irritated, itchy, and eventually started to peel. We tried everything to alleviate her discomfort, following the doctors’ recommendations but also searching for additional remedies to help her through the painful side effects.

That’s when the team at Velež stepped in. They generously provided boxes of their signature Velež masks, specifically designed for intense hydration and healing. The masks were amazing. Not only did they soothe my mom’s burnt skin, but they also helped prevent further damage, like blistering. The cooling HOCL Hydrating mist that came with the mask was another lifesaver—an instant refresh that kept her skin cool, clean, and free from infection.

Recovery: A Journey of Resilience

With rest, support, and the tools we had to help her skin recover, my mom fought through the most challenging weeks. She followed her doctor’s orders diligently, never losing her positive outlook. Then, finally, she rang the bell at the radiology clinic, marking the end of her treatment. It was a moment of triumph—my mom was officially cancer-free!

Although she will continue to be monitored for the next five years with regular check-ups, we are beyond grateful for the early detection, incredible healthcare team, and her unbreakable spirit.

A Mother's Strength

My mom is no stranger to surgeries or difficult times, but the way she handled her cancer diagnosis and treatment left me in awe. She showed us all the importance of knowing your own body and being your own advocate. Her strength, determination, and ability to always find the bright side have been a powerful example for me and everyone who knows her.

This journey wasn’t easy, but with the love of our community, the expertise of her medical team, and the tools we found helped my mom came through stronger than ever.

I’m so proud of her, and I hope her story inspires others to never give up and to always listen to what their bodies are telling them. Early detection saved my mom’s life, and it could save yours too.