Vanessa's Story: Powering Through Treatment to the Invisible Finish Line
Vanessa Cuccurullo is a Breastcancer.org community member in Shelter Island, New York, US.
Breast cancer is a journey filled with unknowns. No matter how much research you do or how many survivors you speak with, nothing fully prepares you for the reality of it — the scans, the surgeries, the waiting, the recovery. But one thing is certain: It ends.
Here’s what my year looked like, by the numbers:
1 biopsy
1 MRI
1 CT scan
80-point genetic testing
47 doctor visits
1 incredible life still left to live
Crossing the Finish Line
Three months after my third and final procedure, I had my first post-surgery mammogram — a routine check-up, just like the one that started all of this. Except this time, I forgot what floor my doctor’s office was on. That’s how far I’d come.
The check-up was glowing. My reconstruction and reduction had healed beautifully. I asked, “What’s next?” She smiled and said, “See you in a year.” I cried. After powering through this year with all I had, I didn’t even realize I had crossed the finish line.
For anyone still in the fight
If you’re in this fight, I promise you — it ends. Recovery takes time. Healing takes time. There will be setbacks, pain, frustration, and days where it feels endless. But one day, you will wake up, and it will be behind you.
You are not alone. There is a community here — ready to lift you up. If you need someone, we’re here. I am one of them.
Resources that helped me
@katsribbonofhope
@mastheadpink
@marenacompression
@breastcancernow
@wellbeyondbreastcancer
@breastcancerorg
@bcppartners
@breastcanceralliance
@susangkomen
@acurebeauty
@unite4her
@anaonointimates
@memorialsloankettering
Final thoughts
Early detection saves lives. If you’ve been putting off a check-up, schedule it today. If you’re in the middle of treatment, keep going. And if you’ve made it through to the other side — celebrate. Life is waiting for you!