The scar beyond belief from within

Roman poet Horace essentially quoted “adversity is what makes us become stronger people.” But how can we overcome adversity alone when it is at such a grand scale bigger than our own control? 

A conscientious, selfless, and compassionate woman whom I consider the most beloved - my mother, Yer, was recently diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Cancer, although a more common diagnosis, takes a toll on the body and is not an easy treatable diagnosis. The sudden revelation of this news shortly after Christmas 2018 was hard to take in just like any other news of an illness, death, or health impairment. This diagnosis was least expected since my mother falls under the younger population of patients likely to get cancer which in most cases is slim to rare. I remember the rest of the family’s first reaction the day my mother told everyone. We had all gathered together for what was supposed to be a celebratory and joyful holiday season. Everyone was speechless as they didn’t know what else to say or how to react besides feeling sorry. The news had presented itself in the shape of a curveball - difficult for the catcher to catch and understand the play’s effect on not only the catcher’s ability to receive it but also the rest of the team’s positioning. Instead of just asking “Why God?” when my mother, family, and I  were in face of adversity together, we all approached the situation with the question “How?”. How can we help? How do we learn more about cancer? How can we ensure that my mother will receive the best treatment? And as she’s most likely to get surgery and a specially devised treatment plan, how we can most importantly expedite her recovery and alleviate her suffering? It was heartbreaking to hear that the cancer somehow found a way to develop inside her body as it continues to grow day by day. My mom is still the same old person on the outside, but something as detrimental as this could have a lasting impact on her health unless she is treated immediately. 


I left that meeting feeling assured because everyone shared their own stories and gave personal advice on moving forward. I realized that I need to be anchor for my mom and the light to shine upon her when her days did not end well.



After much deliberation and consultation amongst various specialist doctors, family members, and even those who have gone through cancer, my mother has decided to undergo an extensive double mastectomy in attempt to totally remove and cancerous lump surrounding her lymph nodes and her right armpit area.  She will also have a breast reconstruction and receive radiation following that procedure. Unfortunately, my mom’s insurance will not be able to cover the cost of the surgery and treatment plan unless she pays the high deductible. The cost of this procedure has risen over the years from 15k to 50k as more and more have been performed. As an only child and 16 year old daughter whose mother has sacrificed so much for the family and me, it would be greatly appreciated if the financial burden is handled with the help of your generous donations. Any and all proceeds will help my mom cover the costs so that she can beat this cancer and have a successful recovery!! The surgery date is approaching soon on Valentine’s Day. Other ways that you can show support is by keeping her in your prayers and spreading the word. My mom has been through so many hardships throughout her lifetime such as medical (gallbladder removal) and financial (mortgage payments), and she not only recovered but also learned from those experiences in which she was able to come back stronger than before both times.


Luckily, the doctors have been able to detect the cancer at an early enough stage, but cancer has its unpredictable ways of behaving! We know that this won’t be an easy journey ahead with all that is happening so quickly, but we’ll go through this hardship together!




Thank you,


Kasandra Kue-Rojas & Kue Family