Severe pain in his right leg for several days, which seemed like a simple injury, warned that something was happening. “I did a lot of physical activity and from one moment to the next I started to feel very swollen in my leg,” Valentina recalled about her first symptoms, in a chat with AIR.
After several studies and after being transferred to the Italian Hospital of Buenos Airesthe doctors confirmed that his problem was more serious than he thought: they diagnosed him with a Ewing sarcomaa kind of cancer It affects long bones and soft tissues.
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“At 15 years old, you have a whole life ahead of you, and hearing that word makes you think that you are going to die,” the young woman reflected about the harsh diagnosis she received..
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In her teens, Valentina suffered a malignant tumor that changed her life. (Courtesy: Valentina Rodríguez)
The view of society and the support in its environment
While undergoing studies to learn more about the disease, she was forced to move to Buenos Aires and live in Ronald McDonald Housea non-profit entity that is dedicated to accompanying the families of boys and girls who require highly complex treatment.
As the months went by, the effects of the treatments began to appear and one of the strongest was the loss of her hair and how that was reflected in the eyes of others: “The most difficult thing to face was not the physical pain or the effects of chemotherapy, but it was society’s gaze on me”.
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For a teenager, losing hair due to chemotherapy can be very shocking and her case was no exception. For this reason, Valentina, who at that time was wearing her long hair, made the decision to cut it and with her surplus have a wig made that she used on special occasions.
At home, Valentina made new friends who were important in her recovery, as she relied on them to cope with the illness. “I didn’t have to hide from anyone’s gaze.because we were all going through similar situations,” he said about his life in this special house.
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Her mother was by her side at every moment, and that is why she formed a strong bond with her. (Courtesy: Valentina Rodríguez)
While undergoing treatment, he received the support of his family and friends who were in Santa Fe, who sent him gifts and tender messages.
One of the most significant people during this stage was her mother, who accompanied her at all times: “At the same time, she revealed to me that on many occasions, when I got up at night, she would go to my room and shake the pillow so that I wouldn’t I saw how my hair was falling out.”
A hard blow of reality
Throughout her recovery process, Valentina relied on a positive mindset and on God, but there were moments where she received news that made her aware of what she was going through.
“Inside the little house, I made many friends and during the course of the illness many of them died.. One of the biggest losses that marked me the most was that of Nacho, a great friend with whom I had pending things,” he revealed, revealing his anguish.
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A new beginning and a change of life
One of the most important and crucial moments was during his bone marrow transplant. Doctors told him there was a chance he would lose his leg. However, the surgery was perfect, but the young woman had to learn to walk again.
Valentina describes that her treatment was not easy at all, since she was also undergoing chemotherapy. “It was a long and hard process, because that bone was not mine, and thanks to kinesiology today I can walk,” she detailed about the last stage of recovery.
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In just a few months, Valen will graduate as a doctor and will be able to dedicate herself to what she loves most. (Courtesy: Valentina Rodríguez)
After overcoming cancer, Valentina decided to return all the love she received during her treatment and Be a doctor to help other people overcome their battles. “Having gone through this disease made me mature and I feel that it gives me certain tools that allow me to approach the patient and help them,” he explained..
In addition, he referred to the importance of organ and tissue donation, understanding how crucial this can be to save a life. “The only treatment that will allow another patient to continue living is organ and tissue donation. Thanks to this, today I can study and continue sharing my story”.
The young woman who graduated as a doctor this year left a message for all those who go through a similar situation: “Cancer is not a death sentence. It is not like a definitive sentence; It is a serious disease, but manageable. It is a process that requires mental and physical strength, but there is a way out.”.
