In a world where fitness and family often take center stage, it’s hard to imagine that a serious illness could disrupt the life of an active mom. Meet Sheilla Gagui, a vibrant triathlete and dedicated mother of two, whose journey through breast cancer during the pandemic is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the importance of early detection.
A Health Scare Amidst the Chaos
At the onset of 2020, while many were adjusting to life under lockdown, Sheilla noticed a tiny lump on the left side of her chest. “I initially thought it was nothing to worry about,” she recalls. However, the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right prompted her to seek medical advice. “I wasn’t breastfeeding at the time, so I knew I had to get it checked out.”
Her OB-GYN reassured her that it looked benign, but a few tests were necessary for peace of mind. Just as she was preparing for those tests, the pandemic hit, halting non-essential medical procedures and adding anxiety to her already worrying situation.
“I was hesitant to go out during those early days of COVID-19,” Sheilla shares. “But as the weeks went by, I noticed the lump getting bigger. It was time to take action.” A friend referred her to a clinic, and after an ultrasound and biopsy, the shocking news came: stage II breast cancer.
“It felt like my whole world stopped. I had just completed a full Ironman in Spain and was in peak condition. I thought I was invincible,” she reflects.
Sharing the News with the Children
Photo Credits: @sheillagagui on Instagram
Sheilla and her husband faced a difficult decision about whether to tell their young children about her diagnosis. With their daughter only nine and their son just seven, they were acutely aware of the trauma the kids had experienced after losing their grandfather to pancreatic cancer a few years prior. “We were afraid that hearing the word ‘cancer’ would make them think of death,” Sheilla recalls.
Ultimately, they decided that honesty was essential. “I reassured them that breast cancer is not a death sentence; it’s treatable, especially when caught early,” she explains. This conversation marked a pivotal moment in their family’s journey, highlighting the importance of communication and support during challenging times.
Fighting Cancer Like a True Athlete
Photo Credits: @sheillagagui on Instagram
For Sheilla, battling cancer became a race against time. “One late move, and treatment could become more complicated. I felt like I had to act quickly,” she explains. At just 39, she underwent a mastectomy, followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy. “The first half of my treatment felt manageable, but the last few sessions were tough. I was exhausted, and even simple movements took all my energy,” she recalls.
Yet, amidst the fatigue, she remained hopeful, buoyed by her unwavering support system. “My husband was my rock. He was there for me through every step of this journey,” she says.
The love and support from her family became a lifeline. “When my hair started falling out, my husband and son shaved their heads in solidarity. That gesture meant the world to me,” she shares, a smile breaking through her reflective tone.
Thriving Post-Treatment: A New Normal
Today, Sheilla is thriving. Approaching her fourth year in remission this November, she shares, “I’m all good! I’m still doing regular check-ups, and from quarterly visits, it’s now just twice a year.” She has not only maintained her health but also continued to crush her fitness goals. “I’m proud to say I made it to the podium at the Ironman 70.3 Subic last year and represented the country at the World Championships in Finland.”
Her mental health has transformed as well. “I’ve learned to accept that life is short and borrowed. It deepened my relationship with God and made me appreciate every moment,” she says. “Having the right mindset is crucial. You can choose to fight, and your body will follow.”
Sheilla’s commitment to fitness remains unwavering. “I train daily, incorporating swimming, biking, and running into my routine. I recently completed the Subic 70.3 and have more events lined up for 2024,” she shares enthusiastically.
Inspiring Other Parents
Photo Credits: @sheillagagui on Instagram
As a mom, Sheilla understands the importance of being a role model for her children. “I want to show them that even when life throws curveballs, we can rise up and keep going,” she explains. Her advice to other parents facing cancer is simple yet profound: “Stay active! During treatment, I worked out to feel normal again. It made a huge difference in my strength and endurance.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sheilla emphasizes the importance of early detection. “Please get checked regularly, whether you’re a woman or a man. Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she urges. “Early detection saves lives. We must advocate for our health and trust the process.”
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, Sheilla’s message resonates deeply: “Early detection is key, so please have yourself checked every year. Both genders can have breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help before it’s too late, and don’t overwhelm yourself with information. Sometimes it misleads us and brings anxiety. Just trust God; He will take the lead. Remember that you are where God wants you to be. We may not understand it now, but I’m sure He has a bigger plan for us.”
A Champion of Resilience
Sheilla Gagui’s journey from triathlete to cancer survivor exemplifies the strength of the human spirit. With her family by her side, she has emerged victorious, embodying hope and resilience. Through her story, she inspires us all to cherish every moment, fight for our health, and advocate for early detection.
In Sheilla’s words, “You’ll never know your true strength until you’re tested. Don’t give up; there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
Looking back, Sheilla offers a poignant perspective on her cancer journey: “I’m at peace with everything that has happened and wouldn’t change a thing. Each experience, no matter how difficult, has shaped me into who I am today and brought me a deeper understanding of life, faith, and resilience. It’s all part of the journey, and I’m grateful for the growth it has brought me.”
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is an opportunity for transformation and strength. Sheilla’s journey is not just about surviving cancer; it’s about embracing the lessons learned along the way and emerging stronger than ever.