Geri, Molly and Elizabeth
Left to right: Geri, Molly, and Elizabeth Ximenez
By Geri, a participant from California
The Story of Three Latina Sisters
This story you are about to read is about three Latina sisters, their love for life, faith and “familia.” I have witnessed my sisters’ difficult journeys in the fight for life against breast cancer. They have demonstrated strength and courage through the darkest of times. As they traveled their journey they have empowered me and those around us. This is our story.
My name is Geri Ximenez; I am forty-two years old and one of seven siblings and the youngest of three sisters. My sister Elizabeth was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer at the age of forty-nine in 1999. This was detected during her annual mammogram. In early 2003 my eldest sister Molly was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at the age of fifty-four. I am now at high riskin having breast cancer. Prior to my sisters’ diagnoses there had been no history of breast cancer in our family.
Elizabeth underwent a radical mastectomy of the right breast in 1999. Due to other complications, the doctors advised against any chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy. Within a year of her cancer diagnosis Elizabeth went in for her annual mammogram that revealed cancer on her left breast and she had her breast removed. Within fourteen months of her original date of diagnosis, she endured extensive medical tests and seven surgeries.
Through her journey she was strengthened by the love and support of her husband and family. Her strong faith and the belief in the power of prayer has resulted in her approaching the celebration of five cancer-free years.
Molly, my eldest sister’s annual mammograms showed no abnormalities. In mid-October of 2002 Molly began feeling twitches of pain in her left breast and was feeling slightly fatigued. By November she started experiencing severe dizziness and the twitches became intensified by piercing pain. When Molly was examined by her primary doctor, at first he stated her symptoms were probably work-related stress. When Molly returned for her follow-up visit the doctor discovered several lumps. In February 2003, the mammogram and needle biopsies came back with shocking results showing Stage III breast cancer. Molly required a radical mastectomy of the left breast, and based on Elizabeth ’s history of breast cancer, she had the right breast removed. A month after the mastectomy Molly underwent intense chemotherapy treatments, radiation, and reconstruction surgery. She is currently on hormone treatment.
As Molly endured the various stages of treatments she continued to worship God and glorify Him as she took each step into the unknown. She walks in faith. She found that this was a great opportunity to reach out to those traveling the same journey. During treatments, she became a volunteer for the American Cancer Society as a Legislative Ambassador, and she volunteers for nonprofit organizations on health-related issues. Her mission is to be an advocate for Latinos and lift the wings of newly diagnosed patients as they begin their cancer journey, guiding them as they navigate through the language and cultural barriers that may lie before them. Her volunteer efforts now include spreading the word to other Latinas about the Sister Study, and encouraging them to join.
We discovered that language and cultural barriers exist. There is a need to enhance outreach efforts not only to the Latino population but to the non-English speaking and under served populations as well. We found that there were not sufficient breast cancer statistics among Latinas. This is why research studies and Latina participation is so critical.
The Sister Study is a wonderful tool in helping find answers to what in our environment and in our genes may be causing breast cancer. This is an important study for the benefit of future generations. Through the sorrow and feeling of helplessness there is hope. Through the suffering and the healing we can empower others, educate, bring about change and raise awareness.
We are proud to be a part of the Sister Study, for me as a participant and for my sisters as voices spreading the word to other Latinas.
Sinceramente, Molly, Elizabeth and Geri Ximenez