Survivor Stories --  Vickie Valdez

Survivor Stories -- Vickie Valdez

Posted by Cary Goldberg on

Instead of counting the years that I’ve survived cancer, I prefer to say I just celebrated 7 years “cured” in May 2018.

I was diagnosed with Her2 positive invasive ductal carcinoma after finding a lump in my right breast, near the rib cage. I completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy over 5 months. Four were the brutal kind and twelve were less brutal but with plenty of fun side effects! I kept exercising, both running and lifting weights, during treatment, but in the end I gained 15 pounds, most of which I blame on cake and good scotch. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy on May 31, 2011. The pathology report came back clean: complete response, no cancer left.

After treatment I underwent reconstruction with silicone implants, which took 5 months. This means I just remove the pads that come with Handful bras. The clean pathology report meant I got to keep my own nipples, and I figure if they get pointy it’s kind of amazing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

At the time of my diagnosis, I worked for Rivermark Community Credit Union. Before every single treatment, one of my coworkers presented me with a delicious homemade meal. I felt supported every day and could not be more grateful, because I know that not every patient feels supported by their employer.

The best advice I received, which I still share with others, was to avoid googling my illness, also known as “Dr. Google,” and stick only to knowledgeable websites. I met many wonderful women on my journey and am so happy when I see my survivor sisters thriving. I’d also say cancer gave me more balance in my life. I work hard at my job, but my home life is full of adventure and peace. 

One thing that has helped keep me cancer free is that I kept exercising and lifting weights, all while experiencing no lymphedema symptoms. It’s important to find both a type of exercise you enjoy and a place to do it in where you feel connected and supported. I found both when my former trainer introduced me to Industrial Strength Gym, five years ago.  I’ve grown so much as a person and an athlete since I joined Industrial Strength. It’s also where I was convinced to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and now I’ve been training for four years. 

I will continue to try new things as the years keep unfolding. I’m training for my next big jiu jitsu competition in the spring. I’ve embraced hiking and backpacking, and even a bit of rock climbing. I’m determined to make the most of every year cured from breast cancer!

← Older Post Newer Post →

Comments

  • Thank you for sharing your BADASS celebration being 7 years “cured”! 💪🏽💕 I love these fabulous pix of you GRABBING LIFE! Awesome job being so active, and your new adventures are an inspiration for us all: jiu jitsu, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. Cheers to you being determined to make the most of every year cured from breast cancer! 👏

    Jennifer Ferguson on
  • Vickie – this is super inspiring. Thank you for being a badass all around.

    Jody on
  • Vickie! You badass! Never once have you let breast cancer slow your roll or define you. Your commitment to making the most of every day is obvious when I get glimpses of all the places you are going and things you are doing on your Facebook feed. It is inspiring that becoming a competitive jiu jitsu practitioner keeps your fighting a spirit alive in every cell of your body. Keep going, Vickie, you are on the right path❤

    Cary on

Leave a comment

BARING IT ALL BLOG

RSS
Mother's Day......It can be complicated 🌷

Mother's Day......It can be complicated 🌷

By Jody Filkins

Happy Mother's Day.  Whether you are one, or want to be one, you also have (or have had) one (or more).  This day has been...

Read more
A message from our founder 🧡
#BadassLadyGang Activewear Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Women Company Women empowerment women supporting women; self-esteem; loveher Women-Led

A message from our founder 🧡

By Lindsay Duus

What a handful life has been!  As a small business, we are struggling to keep the lights on, and this is a critical moment! 

Read more