Local Nurse Battles Breast Cancer, Highlights Rising Cases in Young Women
At 35, Gia Gayoso, a dedicated nurse, is facing a challenging battle with breast cancer. Initially dismissing a lump as a recurrence of a previous benign cyst, Gayoso proactively sought medical attention – a decision that proved crucial in her diagnosis and treatment.
“The radiologist came in and started doing the ultrasound herself, and when she told me it didn’t look good, my world stopped for a second,” Gayoso recounted. “I thought, ‘This can’t be happening.'”
Gayoso’s diagnosis comes as rates of breast cancer are increasing among women under 45 in the united States. Recognizing the potential impact of chemotherapy on her fertility, she proactively underwent ovarian stimulation to freeze 17 eggs, preserving her options for starting a family after treatment. The process, while offering hope, added emotional and physical strain to an already difficult situation.
“They tell you to be calm, not to stress, so that the eggs are healthy,” Gayoso explained. “But how can you stay calm knowing that you have cancer and that you need to start chemotherapy once you finish that process?”
Gayoso has already completed two rounds of chemotherapy, with fourteen more planned, followed by a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She credits the unwavering support of her family and friends with her strength. “I think because of that I can wake up every morning and say, ‘There are a lot of people supporting me!’ and ‘I have to keep going!'”
However, Gayoso’s journey is elaborate by financial concerns. A recent transition from a hospital position to an self-reliant clinic left her without employer-sponsored health insurance. While the Livestrong Foundation assisted with the cost of fertility preservation, other expenses are mounting.
Friends Nicolle Zabian and Susan Trottier have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden,recognizing the challenges of navigating cancer treatment without consistent income.
“To make matters worse, Gia recently transitioned from working at a hospital to an independent clinic, meaning she does not currently have active health insurance through her employment,” Zabian explained. “Her friends fear that she will not be able to work during chemotherapy sessions and surgeries.”
Zabian added, “For someone who has dedicated her life to caring for others, it is incredibly difficult to ask for help. But right now, Gia needs us - her friends, family, patients and community – to lift her up like she has always lifted us up.”
Gayoso’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the rising incidence of breast cancer in younger women and the importance of proactive health screenings, as well as the often-overlooked financial and emotional challenges faced by those battling the disease.
