Thelma Soriano says since her cancer diagnosis, her outlook of life has changed

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this week we kick off our Think Pink series.

All week, KUAM will be sharing the stories of breast cancer warriors and survivors. 

Kicking the series off, we have Thelma Soriano.

“Initially I felt a lump right in this area and I want to say it was at the beginning of the year. But I didn't really think anything of it. At the time I was training for a half-ironman triathlon and I was also working,” said Soriano. 

That was in early 2022, when 54-year old Thelma Soriano was in the process of retiring and life was just really busy.  It was when she got back from the triathlon competition when she noticed the lump got bigger. 

After her primary doctor recommended she get a mammogram, there was concern, so a biopsy was ordered. And the results came back positive for cancer, which was something Soriano said the doctor prepared her for.

“You hope for the best, prepare for the worst. And because she already told me that everything could be done on island, as soon as I heard that it was cancer, I asked her what is the next step,” said Soriano. 

Her doctor mapped out everything for her,  from getting an MRI, to seeing a surgeon and also an oncologist. A team had been formed ready to battle and be by her side through her cancer journey.

And on those toughest days of her journey, what got Soriano through it?

“Prayers. I never talked to the Lord as much as I did. I said I know you have a plan for me but please give me the strength to get through this. Every time I got stronger, my faith got deeper. It lifted my spirits,” she said. 

And her support system through it all?  Her family, her children, and most especially her husband, Dean, who she said, 'is the greatest.'

“On the days that I would worry, he would remind me- you're strong. I remember one time, he said, 'You just completed a half-ironman, and you had the cancer already growing in your body, you're gonna be fine,’” she said. 

She said he was by her side for each chemotherapy treatment session that lasted anywhere from six to eight hours.

“He never wanted to leave my side…he was awesome,” she added. 

She is  also thankful to the team of doctors, staff, and everyone who helped her battle.

“They just did a great job keeping me optimistic and keeping me comfortable throughout the whole process. And believing I can get out of this....it lifted my spirits,” she said. 

After her last chemotherapy session, her doctor told her there were no signs of cancer in her body. But because there is a high chance of it possibly recurring, she is on preventative medication.

She added since her diagnosis, her perspective of life has her appreciating and being grateful for everything.

“The saying is live in the moment...don't sweat the little things...you only live once. it's never been more relevant,” she said. 

And with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  who does Soriano Think Pink for?

“I think for all the pink warriors. All those who battled and lost, who battled and beat it, and those who continue to battle,” she said.