Heart of the Valley: Valley breast cancer survivor encouraging others to take control of their health
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A Valley grandmother said she never imagined a routine check-up would turn into a fight for her life.
In May 2023, Diana Salinas went in for her yearly mammogram — something she said she never missed.
But when doctors told her to get a sonogram, Salinas said she waited.
“I just said, ‘I'll go later,’ so I put it aside,” Salinas said.
Four months later, Salinas got the sonogram, and then a biopsy.
“I went on vacation, went for the biopsy after I got back and still didn't think anything of it,” Salinas recalled. “And then I received a call a week after."
That call marked the start of her battle against HR-positive, HER2-negative Stage 3 breast cancer. She was 64-years-old at the time.
“I didn't know what to think, how to react, because you hear it often — people getting breast cancer — you just never think it's going to be you,” Salinas said. “I called a friend, we prayed and then I said… ‘OK, I gotta move forward.’ So I started my journey there."
Salinas began chemotherapy in January 2024.
By then, her breast cancer had reached Stage 4.
After completing 16 rounds of chemo, Salinas underwent a mastectomy at M.S. Anderson in Houston, followed by 30 days of radiation.
Salinas is currently in remission. She said her faith and her family are her source of strength — including her sister, who she said was with her through it all.
“I'm glad that I had the resources that I have, and the support that I have, and the prayer warriors that I have," Salinas said.
Salinas said she is now focused on living each day with gratitude, and using her story to encourage other women to do their annual exams, and take control of their health.
“I want to reiterate for everyone: no matter how old you are, get checked. Early detection is so important,” Salinas said.
Watch the video above for the full story.
In October, CHANNEL 5 NEWS is shining a light on breast cancer in the Rio Grande Valley. Our goal is to promote early detection through compelling stories while working with a local business.
Join us on Mondays on CHANNEL 5 NEWS at noon and 6 p.m. for interviews with doctors and survivors.
Heart of the Valley: Breast Cancer Awareness is supported by South Texas Health System.
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