Meet Roberta, August’s SMOV Survivor

I was diagnosed in May 2018 with aggressive triple negative breast cancer. I remember feeling shocked, scared, and worried about the future. The hardest part of all was knowing that I had to tell my son. You see, I lost my husband in 2006 to bladder cancer and now I had to tell my son that I was diagnosed with cancer. He took it well and told me that we would handle whatever came. He was in his final year of college but he was there for me any time that I needed him. He always tried to keep my spirits up and encouraged me every step of the way. The journey was hard. Chemo, surgery, radiation, and then an oral chemo pill took a toll on my body and my mind. I have always tried to stay strong and keep fighting but there were tough days. I was able to keep working full time throughout treatment, which in hindsight was probably the best thing I could have done.

I am a registered nurse in an oncology infusion center. I have shared my experience with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. I always encourage them to continue to be themselves and not to let the cancer become who they are. I remind them to keep sight of the things that are important in life. I have had many patients tell me later how much it helped them that I was willing to share my own experience. I now volunteer with cancer support groups.

A vacation would help me so much to relax and recharge. Even though I enjoy helping others, it can be a little draining at times. Every morning when I look in the mirror, I see my scars and I am reminded of all that cancer took from me. I still get PTSD with every doctor visit or scan. The mental recovery is the hardest part of all!

I would love the opportunity to go on an amazing vacation. I have never been out of the US and a trip to Italy would be incredible. Actually, all of the trips sound amazing and I would love to go anywhere.

Roberta

Roberta’s Sponsor:
The Real Christine Strange: brand influencer, model, entrepreneur, speaker, philanthropist, wife, mom, and friend.

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Send Me On Vacation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides breast cancer survivors in need with the opportunity to initiate the process of emotional healing through a vacation experience. To learn more about SMOV or donate, go to: https://sendmeonvacation.org/donate/