Carla, United States
Dancing Through the Storm: My Breast Cancer Journey
It all started during a routine self-check when I discovered a lump in my left breast. The moment was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty, but I quickly resolved to face whatever was coming head-on and scheduled to see a doctor right away. Had a biopsy that came back negative but after I felt another lump and talking to my surgeon decided to have a lumpectomy.
Went to my follow up appointment, thinking I was going for a routine follow up but when I met with the surgeon he gave me the news that I had breast cancer. I was in shock since my biopsy had come back negative.
I remember this day like it was yesterday. It was on a Tuesday. I used to take dance classes every Tuesday. I left the surgeon’s office still not believing what I had just heard. I got home… grabbed my dancing shoes and told my parents I was going to dance class. My mom said “you just found out you have cancer, where are you going?”… I responded, “well I am not going to stop living my life because of this.. it’s just a bump on the road.. cancer is not going to take me down” and off I went.
Soon after, I began a challenging yet transformative journey. My treatment plan included eight rounds of chemotherapy and 37 sessions of radiation. It was tough—there were days when the physical and emotional toll felt overwhelming. But through it all, I found strength in the most unexpected places.
I chose to dance through my journey—literally and figuratively. Dancing became my way of reclaiming joy and reminding myself that cancer could challenge my body but not my spirit. I scheduled all my treatments around my dance classes so that I wouldn’t have to miss them.
I was also fortunate to have an incredible support system. My family, coworkers, and friends were there every step of the way, cheering me on and lifting me when I felt like I couldn’t go on. Their love and encouragement became my fuel.
When I finished treatment and rang the celebratory bell, it was one of the most empowering moments of my life. I wanted to hold onto that joy and hope—and share it with others. That’s how my “3 Rings of Hope” jewelry line was born. The bell charm is a tribute to every survivor who has rung the bell, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and hope that unite us all.
Today, I wear my scars with pride and my bell charm as a reminder of what I’ve overcome. As we honor World Cancer Day, I want to empower fellow survivors and remind anyone battling cancer that they are not alone. Together, we can find hope, healing, and even moments of joy amidst the challenges.
17 years later I am still dancing and living this beautiful life of mine!
If you would like to support a cancer survivor please go to my website www.3ringsofhope.com or my Etsy shop “3 Rings of Hope”