In November 2012, Zeny discovered a very large lump on her left breast. Numerous tests and biopsies confirmed the 32-year-old had stage 2B breast cancer, which had also spread to four of her lymph nodes.
The news came the day after Christmas, on Dec. 26, 2012.
"'I'm sorry, but you have breast cancer.' These words will forever be embedded in my mind," Zeny remembers. "I cried, screamed and sobbed so hard. Never in a million years did I think I'd be adding the title of 'Cancer Survivor' to my name."
As a member of the Hawaii Pacific Health ohana, Zeny received her cancer treatments at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children as well as at Straub Medical Center.
"In addition to excellent clinical care, I also receive compassionate care from Martha Smith, CEO of Kapiolani. I will be forever grateful for her support and guidance from the very beginning. The emotional support she and others provided helped me tremendously," Zeny says.
Today, Zeny's cancer is in remission, and while she knows her fight is not over, the 35-year-old takes great pride in knowing she can overcome any struggle life throws her way.
"It's been a very long and arduous experience, but choosing to fight and conquer has made me so much stronger and excited about life," Zeny says. "The difficult battles we face prepare us for so much more. It's true that you really don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have."
Published on: November 28, 2016