Gladys | Oncology Surgery Patient

My name is Gladys Ondina, and I am 70 years old. I am from El Paraíso. I came in because of a urinary problem, and the general practitioner began examining me. He told me, “Mrs. Gladys, I notice something. There seems to be a mass on the right side, and I don’t like it, so I am going to refer you to a gynecologist at a health center so they can follow up on your condition.”

I went to the gynecologist I was referred to, and he ordered a mammogram. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. All of this happened in June of this same year.

I learned about the medical brigade through my granddaughter, who works at a hospital. They told her that I needed to reserve a spot to become a potential candidate for treatment. It was difficult, but thanks to God, we made it happen. I came in for an evaluation, and my appointment was on November 1. Dr. Salinas evaluated me and then referred me to the internist, already knowing my diagnosis.

I had another appointment 10 days later. When I returned, they gave me the news that I was a candidate for surgery. And then, “Let’s get to work!” They asked me if I agreed, and I said yes. They gave me a date for my surgery.

I was admitted on a Thursday, one day before my surgery. The opportunity finally came, and here I am. I know everything will turn out well, and I trust God that I will not have to go through chemotherapy.

When I received the diagnosis, I felt terrible. I became depressed. I didn’t want anyone to talk to me. I stayed locked in my room crying, and I neither ate nor slept. Then I encouraged myself. I went to church, and the women there told me to trust in God, that He would do His work in me.

I never imagined that I could be diagnosed with something like this. Then I encouraged myself and understood that if this was happening to me, God knew why. Eventually, I found peace and have remained calm.

The care here at the Foundation has been excellent. One thing I would like to add is that I am currently in the second stage of this disease, and I don’t feel any pain at all. It is simply my diagnosis. I know I will feel much better once I recover, and I thank God for the doctors because after God come the doctors who make all of this possible. They are powerful hands that He sends.