by Areita Guy
I was born in Trinidad, but for many years now, I have called Brooklyn home. As a longtime staff member of Maimonides Cancer Center, I saw patients walking through our doors every day, often scared, sometimes overwhelmed, and always in need of care. What I never imagined was that one day, I would be the one sitting in those waiting rooms as a patient.
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My journey with breast cancer began in 2019 when my sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her Hematology Oncologist suggested that our whole family undergo genetic testing. The results were sobering—every one of us tested positive for the PALB2 mutation (cancer gene). My twin brother was the only one who did not carry it. My genetic counselor recommended that I get breast MRIs in addition to my routine mammograms. I did my exam in October 2019.
Just eight months later, during a follow-up, the doctors saw something suspicious. A biopsy confirmed the news: invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. I didn’t have any symptoms. No lumps, no pain—just a routine check-up that turned out to be lifesaving.
The day after my diagnosis, I sat with a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon at Maimonides. They laid out my options: a lumpectomy or a double mastectomy. For me, the choice was immediate. “Double mastectomy. That’s it. I’m doing it.” Within 2 weeks, I was in surgery.
Recovery had its ups and downs, but I refused to let it break me. Two weeks after my surgery, an infection forced me back into the operating room. I told myself: this is just another step toward healing. When the port was placed in me for the chemotherapy, it caused a blood clot in my neck–something that only happens 1% of the time. I reminded myself: I will get through this. I had eight cycles of chemo, six surgeries–including breast reconstruction and even a hysterectomy–but I held tight to one belief: I am stronger than this disease.
That strength came not from denial, but from determination. I never wanted pity. I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I was driving the first week after my surgery. I went to work as normal. People told me I was doing too much, but for me, keeping life moving was how I kept my peace of mind.
Working for more than a decade at my hospital’s cancer center, I thought I understood what patients were going through. The truth is—you never know until it’s you. Cancer changes how you see yourself, how you see others, how you see life. It deepens your empathy. It humbles you.
Now, when coworkers or friends get a diagnosis, they call me. I tell them the truth: it’s hard, but you will get through it. Stay positive, because positivity really does help with healing. When I was in treatment, I always pictured the finish line. I knew I’d get there eventually.
Today, I see my oncologist every six months and my breast surgeon once a year. I am cancer-free, and I thank God every day for that. I share my story because I want women—especially my Caribbean sisters here in Brooklyn—to know the importance of screening. I had no symptoms. If I had skipped that routine check-up, my story could have ended very differently.
So, this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge you: schedule your mammogram and follow-up with your routine check-ups especially if your doctor tells you to come back in 6 months. Talk to your doctor about your family history. Don’t put it off. We women are busy–we care for children, parents, partners–but we must care for ourselves, too.
I am a survivor, but I am also a messenger. God uses people to send messages, and my message is this: get checked, stay positive, and never lose faith in your strength.
Areita Guy is a resident of Crown Heights, a native of Trinidad, and a breast cancer survivor.
