How Routine Screenings Saved Ivette's Life

For 25 years, Ivette did everything right--a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and consistent screenings.

But a routine breast MRI revealed something new: an aggressive form of breast cancer that wasn't there at her last screening, six months earlier.

Ivette's story of breast cancer survivorship is a story of the power of early detection, the unwavering support of her family and friends, and the compassionate care from her medical team at CHRISTUS Health.

A Family History of Breast Cancer

Ivette’s commitment to her health began early, shaped by her family’s history. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 years old, Ivette was the oldest of five siblings and witnessed firsthand the challenges of cancer treatment. Her mother underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, ultimately beating the disease and living cancer-free for 25 years.

That experience left a deep impression on Ivette. Aware of her increased risk, she began regular breast screenings in her mid-20s and eventually added alternating mammograms and breast MRIs as recommended by her doctors.

"I knew that my family history meant I was at higher risk," Ivette said. "So I made sure to keep up with my screenings every year. I never missed them."

The Diagnosis

In February 2022, Ivette went in for a routine MRI at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas. Everything seemed normal — no symptoms, no warning signs. But the next day, she got a call asking her to come back for additional testing.

"I wasn’t too worried at first," she said. "But when they scheduled me for a biopsy right away, I knew something wasn’t right."

The results confirmed her fears: Ivette had estrogen-positive carcinoma — an aggressive grade 3 tumor. The speed at which it had developed was alarming.

"I was shocked," Ivette recalled. "I had even done genetic testing a few years earlier, and it came back negative. I thought I was in the clear."

Swift Action and Expert Care

What happened next was crucial. CHRISTUS Health acted immediately, scheduling Ivette with an oncologist and surgeon within days of her diagnosis.

"They moved quickly — and that’s what made the difference," Ivette said. "I never felt like I was alone. They explained every step, answered my questions, and put a plan together right away."

A few weeks after her diagnosis, Ivette underwent a double mastectomy. The surgery successfully removed the tumor, and tests confirmed that the cancer hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes.

Following surgery, Ivette began six months of preventive chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Throughout it all, her CHRISTUS care team provided compassionate and professional support.

"They were kind, but also incredibly professional," Ivette said. "They knew my case, they understood my history, and they handled everything with care and urgency."

Strength Through Faith and Community

Throughout her treatment, Ivette found strength in her faith, her family, and her work. She hosts the morning show at Fuzión Radio, a Spanish-language Christian station based in Tyler, and also serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Marketing.

"I had spent years encouraging others through scripture and music," Ivette said. "Now, that encouragement was coming back to me. My faith gave me peace and strength."

Her family was also a source of strength — especially her two young grandchildren, who were 18 months and two and a half years old when she was diagnosed.

"They were little pills of happiness," Ivette said. "I wanted to see them grow up, to be there for their graduations, their weddings. That kept me going."

The Importance of Early Detection

Now cancer-free, Ivette is passionate about encouraging other women to stay on top of their health.

"Early detection saved my life," she said. "If I had skipped that MRI, things could have turned out very differently."

Ivette stresses the importance of regular check-ups and listening to your body — even when you feel healthy.

"Don’t miss your appointment," she said. "Take care of yourself. Prevention and early detection can save your life."

Ivette’s experience has also inspired her to give back. She is now helping to create a Spanish-language cancer support group for other survivors in her community.

"This journey gave me a purpose," she said. "Now I get to help others through their battles."

Advice for Other Women

Ivette’s message to other women is simple but powerful:

• Don’t miss your screenings – Regular check-ups and mammograms can catch cancer early when it’s most treatable.
• Trust your care team – Working with an experienced and compassionate medical team makes all the difference.
• Take care of yourself – Prioritize your health, both physically and mentally.
• Lean on your community – Faith, family, and friends can give you the strength to keep going.

Three years after her diagnosis, Ivette is cancer-free and grateful. "I’m thankful for the doctors at CHRISTUS who acted quickly and cared for me so well," she said. "And I’m thankful to God for giving me the strength to face this challenge and come out stronger on the other side."

Early detection made the difference — and now Ivette is using her story to help others find hope and healing.