Breast cancer isn’t just a statistic. There are names, faces and stories attached to each diagnosis. It’s someone’s wife, mother, aunt, sister or friend. And it deeply affects the family members, friends and co-workers who love and support them.
North East ISD employees are strong in the face of many challenges. This is one of a series of articles this month that will highlight a few of NEISD’s own through their journey with breast cancer. Their stories are filled with hope and courage.
Yvette Morales wasn’t sure what to expect going into her first mammogram. But the last thing the Stahl Elementary School teacher expected was a call from her doctor asking her to come back in to discuss the results.
“That’s when the fear kicked in,” said Morales. “I went in for another exam and spoke to a radiologist afterward. He explained that it could just be clusters of calcium but to rule out anything I should get a biopsy done. No one on either side of my family has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I was stressed but trying to stay optimistic.”
Yvette was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly two weeks later. After consulting with her doctor, Yvette decided to move forward with a lumpectomy operation. She’ll undergo six weeks of radiation after surgery. While she’s anxious about what’s to come, she’s also thankful to have a strong support system in and out of the classroom.
“It has been a roller coaster of emotions but I know I will get through this,” said Morales. “I know with love and support from my family, friends and colleagues that I will beat this cancer. Please get your annual exams.”
Providing emotional support to loved ones with cancer is incredibly beneficial and something everyone can do. You can let them know you care, check in on them regularly, be someone they can talk to, or just do something to make them smile.
Yvette is a fighter and she has the entire NEISD community behind her.
For more information on breast cancer awareness and research, visit cancer.org.
