‘Breast friend’: Cancer survivor helps warriors win their fight

Kathy Solorzano proves that being a breast cancer patient will not stop her from living life to the fullest and being a motivation to others. Photos courtesy of Kathy Solorzano/Facebook. Graphics: Kazel Valdez/INQUIRER.net trainee

They say warriors carry scars that reveal their courage and strength in fighting battles regardless of whether they win or lose.

One of them is Kathy Solorzano, who was diagnosed in 2021 with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that begins in the breast’s milk ducts and spreads in the surrounding tissue.

But this deadly disease did not stop her from living her life to the fullest and being a motivation to other breast cancer warriors.

Having a heart to help, Solorzano donates essentials—such as wigs, scarves, knitted knockers, makeup, and sometimes money—to breast cancer warriors who undergo medical treatments. She intends to remind them that their beauty never fades as they face their battles.

Solorzano donates wigs, scarves, and bonnets to breast cancer warriors undergoing chemotherapy. Photo courtesy of Kathy Solorzano/Facebook

“I want them [to look good and feel good], even though they are going through chemo. [I want them to feel] that they are still pretty,” she said.

“When I see them in need, I give [them something], as long as I have [something to give]. They don’t have to say anything, as long as I feel that they really need it… I just want to be a blessing,” she added.

Solorzano believes that being a breast cancer warrior is a “blessing in disguise” as she has become God’s instrument to be a motivation for many people.

“I thought it was like the Lord’s blessing in disguise for me because I used to say, ‘Lord, use me,’ and eventually that became His way. He used me in that way to help other people,” she said.

“To others, it seems like a curse, but to me, it was a blessing because I was able to help a lot of people,” she added.

Solorzano is also one of the administrators of the Facebook group Breast Cancer Warriors 2, which aims to spread awareness about the disease and become a safe space for cancer patients.

She contributes by showing surgery aftercare, such as emptying a Jackson-Pratt drain, a surgical suction drain that helps in postoperative recovery by gently drawing fluid from a wound.

She believes that this online community is a platform for breast cancer warriors to tell their stories and find comfort from other people who share the same experience.

“It is already a big thing to get support and information about their illnesses [from the group] so that they would not fear it,” she said.

“At first you [see yourself] just laying in bed just wanting to die but not anymore because you can see other warriors who are trying their best and still living life to the fullest,” she added.

For Solorzano, even the smallest thing she did largely contributed to the lives of other breast cancer warriors, giving them hope to face tomorrow with strength and courage.

“I want to be the change that this world needs, even if it’s just the kindness and compassion we give to other people,” she said.

“I just want to be there for them because I know I am going through this because the Lord knows that I can use it to help others… Even if I just listen and even if it is just for emotional support,” she added.

Breast cancer warrior Marie Espellegar shows her gratitude to Solorzano for helping her during her journey on a Facebook post. Photo courtesy of Marie Espellegar/Facebook

Solorzano reminds breast cancer warriors not to let the disease rule their lives and to take each day gently, free from pressure and fear.

“Do not overthink about the things that are yet to happen because sometimes we are so worried about the side effects of something that we are not able to enjoy this moment anymore,” she said.

‘Embrace your journey’

Solorzano admitted that she was at first in denial when she felt a lump in her breast in 2021, but soon after, she decided to take the initial tests and later confirmed the growth of the cancer in her body.

“[At first], it was really hard because I thought I [could not] do it, I am afraid. I felt weak, and I felt restless because [I thought] having cancer means I am going to die,” she said.

The breast cancer warrior says she is a “kikay” or a stylish woman, and cutting her hair became one of the most painful goodbyes she had to do when she witnessed how her hair started to fall into her hands.

“I thought I was ready, I thought I accepted that it was okay for my hair to fall out. But when I was in the shower, [I was holding my hair] and saw a lot [was falling out every time I combed it]. I was crying, I didn’t know what to feel at that time,” she said.

Later, Solorzano welcomed the challenge of becoming stronger in the war against cancer and shaved her hair. Not a single tear came out of her eyes after she accepted the fight and faced her battle with a smile.

“I prayed to the Lord to give me strength and acceptance because when you accept a situation, your journey becomes easier,” she said.

“After the day my hair was cut, I felt the weight of my problem was lifted. I thank the Lord because at that time I felt that I had accepted it already,” she added.

Solorzano advises breast cancer warriors that there are no challenges that are permanent as long as they accept them as part of their journeys, and surrendering everything to the Lord will free the heaviness and pain in their hearts.

“Don’t be afraid because it’s just a process. You have to go through that process because once you [accept] that, your journey will be easier… Just embrace your journey,” she said.

A rainbow in the storm

Just like any other cancer warrior, Solorzano was scared to undergo chemotherapy because of misconceptions circulating online that it would worsen cancer. She is simply grateful that her husband stayed by her side and helped her conquer this fear.

She never once felt that the disease was overpowering her because of the strong support system she had. Her husband and her children were always there to be her cheerleader and give her the warmest hugs.

But if there is something Solorzano is proud of, it is her capability to look good physically while dealing with a deadly disease.

She decided that she was stronger than any sickness and made her chemotherapy sessions a day to become extra beautiful. Solorzano puts on a full face of makeup and arrives at the hospital in full glam, which makes people often think she does not battle with cancer.

“I call my chemo sessions my ‘awra day’ because that’s the time that I get glammed up. The nurses there look forward to it because I’m really dressed up [when I arrive],” she said.

Solorzano creates TikTok videos to express herself by dancing and singing. She also posts motivational content to encourage breast cancer warriors to be confident with their skin and do what will empower them.

“I want to encourage them to look good because when you’re dressed up and wearing lipstick, you feel good. You will not think you are ugly because you do not have hair or eyebrows,” she said.

Solorzano underwent 16 cycles of chemotherapy since she was diagnosed in April 2021. Currently, she is taking medicines to maintain her health after beating cancer in November of the same year. — Rachelle Anne Mirasol, INQUIRER.net trainee