As we embrace Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a time to reflect, educate, and empower. For April Perreras, her journey began with an ordinary moment—a routine self-exam that led to extraordinary challenges. When she felt a lump in her breast, “It felt like a mongo seed,” she recalls. Little did she know, this small discovery would unfold into a life-altering adventure that emphasizes the critical importance of self-exams and the hope that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
Recognizing the Signs
April’s story is a powerful reminder of why self-exams matter. In October 2021, she noticed something unusual during her monthly check-in. Despite a history of benign cysts, she knew deep down that this was different. A mammogram in December brought temporary relief, showing normal results. However, with dense breast tissue, uncertainty loomed. When the lump grew larger by January, she opted for an ultrasound, leading to the unsettling news: the findings were highly suspicious for malignancy.
The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment
Receiving the diagnosis just six days before her 39th birthday was like a jolt of electricity, sending waves of fear and disbelief coursing through her. “I felt a whirlwind of emotions—fear, disbelief, and a sense of urgency,” April shares. As a content creator and full-time mom to her daughters, aged 9 and 4 at the time, the emotional toll was immense. “I wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy for my daughters, even as I battled cancer,” she explains, highlighting the balance she sought between her health and her family’s needs.
On the day she received her diagnosis, April informed her family through Zoom calls and group chats, with her mother-in-law being the first to know. “I wanted to be strong for my mom, so I broke the news to her last when we got home that night,” she recalls, revealing the emotional burden she carried. She cried to her eldest sister, mother-in-law, and closest friends that day. The following morning, she gently explained to her daughters that the lump taken out of her breast was cancer and that mommy would need to go through treatments. “I assured them that I am still the same mommy, that despite my condition, I will continue to exercise and that I am stronger than cancer.”
Navigating the Rocky Road of Treatment
April’s treatment journey was fraught with unexpected twists. What began as a simple excision biopsy turned into a complex series of decisions. After the first surgery, the news was disheartening: the cancer margins were positive. This prompted a second surgery and the revelation that the cancer had invaded her right breast, necessitating a bilateral mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction. “I wanted to ensure that all the cancer was removed before we could start any treatment,” she states firmly. July brought her surgery, followed by a tense wait for the results that would determine her path forward. Finally, the good news arrived: all the cancer was cleared with clear margins.
But the journey didn’t end there. In September, April embarked on radiation treatment, a grueling process that tested her resilience. Each day, she drove herself to Calamba for her sessions, drained yet determined. “I wanted to keep things as normal as possible for them,” she reflects. This juggling act provided a fragile sense of routine amid the chaos.
Coping Mechanisms: Finding Strength
Despite the emotional weight of her diagnosis, April was resolute. Already living a healthy lifestyle and at the peak of her fitness, she turned to exercise, meditation, and a strong support network. “I wanted to feel strong and not let cancer define me,” she asserts. Her commitment to well-being became an integral part of her healing journey, proving that even in the darkest times, there are ways to reclaim power and agency.
Transformation and New Purpose
Inspired by her own experience, April became a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, channeling her journey into a calling. “It felt like a calling,” she explains, blending her nursing background with her passion for fitness. Her mission is clear: to empower others facing similar challenges. “I understand the unique struggles my clients face,” she says, customizing her programs to foster physical strength and emotional resilience.
Life After Cancer: A Renewed Perspective
The day April learned she was cancer-free was nothing short of miraculous. “It felt surreal—a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she shares, tears of joy welling in her eyes. This pivotal moment transformed her outlook, reminding her to cherish each day. Cancer became just one chapter in her story, not the entire narrative. Post-treatment, April has embraced her renewed sense of purpose. She actively advocates for cancer awareness and incorporates her own 3R Thrivers Program into her daily routine. “I’ve started dreaming about the future again,” she beams, her eyes shining with newfound hope.
A Message of Hope
To those facing a cancer diagnosis, April offers invaluable advice: “You are not alone. Lean on your support system and remember there’s hope, even in the darkest moments.” Her journey exemplifies resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of celebrating small victories.
Final Reflections
April’s diagnosis and treatment reshaped her daily life, bringing her family closer together. “It brought us closer together,” she notes. Her husband’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of her strength. “He reminds me to surrender my fears and trust in God,” she adds, her faith a guiding light through uncertainty.
April Perreras’ journey through breast cancer is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the life-saving impact of self-exams. As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let her story inspire you to prioritize your health. Regular self-exams can be a vital step in staying one step ahead. Remember, a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mark the end; it can be the beginning of a journey filled with hope, purpose, and empowerment. Let’s celebrate survivors like April, who remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can emerge stronger and more connected than ever.
