Laura Cerda

Laura was only 38 when she was diagnosed so it came as quite a shock and felt quite overwhelming. See how she answered the questions below

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME. ENTER AS MANY OR AS FEW THINGS AS YOU LIKE, I.E. HOBBIES, PAST TIMES ETC, THINGS YOU'D RATHER DO INSTEAD OF THINKING OF KIDNEY CANCER.

Reading, walking, and spending time with my family

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT 1-2 PEOPLE WHO HELPED YOU WITH YOUR JOURNEY WITH KIDNEY CANCER.

Dr. Panting-Crespo who discovered the tumor, Dr. Palacios who removed the cancerous tumor and my family was my support system.

PLEASE SHARE THE MOST VIVID DETAILS OF YOUR KIDNEY CANCER STORY. FEEL FREE TO WRITE YOUR WHOLE STORY AS YOU REMEMBER IT.

This was the scariest experience I have faced in my life. I was at work when I received a call from my doctor stating my CT showed a mass on my kidney. I hung up and went about my day at work and when I got out of work I went straight to my mom’s house and broke down. I didn’t know the tumor was malignant at the time but I knew I was about to embark on unknown territory. I have three daughters and an amazing husband, and my mind immediately went into panic mode. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep and I was a ball of nerves until the day of my surgery. My family went through a lot and as much as we all tried to stay positive and strong, emotions sometimes got the best of us. I cried a lot but it was therapeutic. I fell in love with running because it helped me control my thoughts and I felt stronger when I ran. Kidney cancer does not run in my family so this diagnosis took us all by surprise. I am happy that I found doctors who have been proactive and attentive to my health.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH SOMEONE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH KIDNEY CANCER?

A diagnosis does not mean that it is the end of the road for you. It is okay to be scared and sad, but never give up hope. Find yourself an amazing team of doctors that will always prioritize your health. That’s what I did and I will be forever grateful to all my doctors.