On December 12, 2007 I got the dreaded diagnosis: “It’s cancer.” At that moment my whole life changed. I had a million things going through my head. My doctor, Dr. Cristina Lopez-Pelñalver was very reassuring, yet direct and candid with me, her assessment will prove to be extremely accurate, the course of treatment and subsequent referrals that she made were to my great benefit right on the money.

The morning that I was to go for the results of my biopsy, done just a day earlier in Dr. Lopez-Pelñalver office, I woke up from a dream about my father, who had passed away 26 years earlier. In this dream my dad assured me that I was going to be alright, that he was going to be there for me and to trust him. From that moment on I experienced the most incredible calm and inner peace. I had no fear whatsoever. When my doctor gave the diagnosis I asked “what next?” There was no fear, no hesitation and so I began my journey. By my side was one of my sisters and within minutes she had called all my other sisters and brothers, they never left my side.

What happened next was a battery of test to determine if the cancer had spread to other organs, referrals to oncologist, plastic surgeons, and second opinions my life became a daily routine of doctors office visits and I delved into researching about my cancer type, the test, the treatment options, the surgeries, the side effects, I wanted to understand when the doctors gave their recommendation I knew what questions to ask, what the implications were and what the dangers or possible complications might be. I started to make a list of questions for every doctor that I would see. For me this was very helpful, I wanted to be in control of my treatment and to have an understanding of what to expect.

In my journey I meet many women that had no clue as to what was happening, they did not understand the options, they were afraid or did not know what questions to ask their doctors and many felt that getting a cancer diagnosis meant an automatic death sentence. They felt lonely and isolated; many had fears of losing a breast or hair, and very scared to navigate this maze of decisions.

I learned a very valuable lessons during my cancer journey which I would like to share with anyone that is going through this ordeal I called it: “lessons learned: A guide to navigate and survive a cancer diagnosis.” In a nut shell great doctors, faith and family were my lifesavers.

1. Faith. Believing in a supreme god will comfort you and give you the strength to face the uncertain. It will help you through the tough moments, like waiting for a biopsy, doing a breast MRI, a bone scan, a PET scan, having a mastectomy and getting ready for chemo or radiation.

2. Family. Without the moral support of our loved ones, it is very hard to face a cancer diagnosis. Accepting their love, moral support, help be it financial, or cooking a meal for you, staying in the hospital overnight to keep you company, a phone call etc. Having family and friends to lean on is essential in your recovery.

3. Humility. Learning to receive help from family and friends is very important. After surgery you will not be able to do your bed, cook, do the laundry, drive, go shopping, and clean your house. You need to accept this help and be grateful fort it.

4. Acceptance. We do not have control of what life has in store for us – call it destiny, fate or whatever. The more you resist the harder it becomes. The sooner you accept your diagnosis the easier the journey will be. You will be able to turn the page and move on with your life. Cancer is not a punishment, it’s just another dreadful illness, one that can be treated and if you play your cards right go on with a rich and full life.