I'm Riding For

Sandra Torres (Mom) - Cancer Survivor!

In September of 2009, I was diagnosed with Acinic Cell Carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands that originates from the parotid gland. I had a parotidectomy and radiation treatments once a day for six weeks, with my last week going twice a day. I had a third degree burn on my neck, could not speak, severe sore throat, lost taste buds, had a feeding tube, and often felt I could not push forward. It was an exceedingly tough time in my life, but I could not have gotten through it all without my family, especially my son Justin, who was my rock and pushed me not to give up. He helped me to know that I am stronger than I ever realized. While I did survive the rigorous treatments after surgery, I am still to this day battling repercussions from it. But I will take that any day than having to face the alternative. I do go back yearly for retesting because this type of cancer is known to resurface. So, days leading up to testing day are nerve-wracking for me because I always fear this will be the time, I am told it is back. However, here I am 14 years later and still in remission. While challenges continue long after cancer treatments have ended, I do not let the worry or fear of it steal my joy. I will continue to be strong and courageous for I am a Cancer Survivor!