A Story of Resilience, Faith, Love, and Hope
Facing the Diagnosis and Immediate Treatment
It began quietly—a lump I barely noticed, a fleeting worry I brushed aside. But on April 4, 2014, my life changed forever with a diagnosis: HER2 Triple Positive Breast Cancer, Stage III.
Life quickly shifted from normalcy to a whirlwind of doctor visits, scans, and medical procedures. Within weeks, a port was installed to start treatments immediately. My daily routine became dominated by hospital visits and the sterile smell of medical rooms.
The Unexpected Crisis: A Battle for Life
Just fourteen days after my first treatment, my body began to betray me. Unexplained bruising and hair loss signaled a deeper problem. Internal bleeding forced me into emergency hospitalization. Despite countless tests and surgeries, doctors could not identify the cause. I was confined to the ICU, reliant on constant blood transfusions, with uncertainty looming over every moment.
My Lifeline: The Support of Church and Family
During this chaos, my church leadership and church family became my steady lifeline. Their prayers, visits, and encouragement wrapped me in comfort and reminded me I was never alone. They were there for me in ways both big and small, offering spiritual strength and practical support through every stage of my journey.
My family made heartfelt visits from near and far—my siblings, parents, cousins, and in-laws all came or reached out in those early days, bringing love and encouragement. Their presence, though brief, meant the world to me and gave me strength to keep fighting.
A Miraculous Turn: The Vena Cava Stapling
My surgeon performed an exploratory surgery, desperately searching for the source of my internal bleeding. Although nuclear medicine scans had suggested a possible location, he still could not find it. As a last resort, he decided to staple the vena cava to slow the bleeding and give me precious time. Lying there, I faced the possibility of saying my final goodbyes. Then, miraculously, the bleeding stopped. I returned home—fragile but alive—with stern warnings that my body could not withstand another major surgery.
The Struggle Continues: Isolation and Immunity Collapse
Cancer was relentless. My immune system collapsed, and I was hospitalized again under strict isolation. No visitors were allowed except my husband and the medical team, who entered fully protected—gowned, masked, and gloved from head to toe. My world shrank to a single room, and a simple Tylenol IV became my lifeline. A dedicated nurse watched over me tirelessly, a guardian angel in scrubs.
The Anchor of Love:
My Husband's Unwavering Support
Throughout every challenge, my husband was my anchor. His steadfast love and presence soothed my fears. When I faltered, he stood strong; when I wept, he held me. His faith in my recovery never wavered, even when mine did.
A New Path: Integrative Healing and Hope in Arizona
In June 2014, hope led us to Arizona. With the support of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities—offering a home away from home for people facing cancer and their caregivers—we found sanctuary during this difficult time.
We sought out an alternative approach, working with a compassionate Doctor of Osteopathy who guided us through integrative treatments focused on nutrition, environment, and attitude. These therapies were not covered by insurance, and we paid out of pocket—draining nearly all our life's savings—but we pressed on, determined to try every possible path to healing. This holistic approach helped shrink my tumor.
With my doctor's referral and guidance, I then transitioned to a lumpectomy and radiation, both thankfully covered by my health insurance.
Transformation Through Resilience and Faith
This journey transformed me. I learned that resilience is not merely survival—it is the courage to hope, the strength to lean on others, and the grace to find blessings even in the darkest moments. Cancer tested my body, but it also revealed the unbreakable bonds of love, faith, and community.
A Message of Hope for Every Cancer Warrior
My story is not just about illness. It is about unexpected blessings, steadfast faith, and the ongoing resilience that carries me forward—one day, one breath, one prayer at a time.
To every cancer patient, caregiver, and loved one reading this: may you find hope in your own journey, and may you always know you are never alone.
HOPEHARBOR was born from this very belief—to create a sanctuary of support, love, and healing for those walking the difficult path of cancer.
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“But he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
Tess Garcia
Read the full bio at this link.
