More than a Boob: Holistic Treatment for Mexican Breast Cancer Survivors
Tara A. Spears
Cancer is one of the most frightening diseases in the world. Despite the fear that cancer invokes, there are also cancer related stories of hope and courage. For the 150 volunteers at the annual La Penita Cancer de Mama Clinic, it’s uplifting to have the chance to meet and help so many strong women with breast cancer from Nayarit. CdM committee member, Caroline Maze explains: ““Many of the Mexican ladies come for a wellness day looking for both physical and emotional support. They range in age from their early 20s to 70s. The ladies come for for supplies, comfort, and companionship as they struggle though their emotional journey to be brave, proud women that are breast cancer survivors.”
“The ladies of Nayarit come from many communities for the wellness day. This year we had over 450 ladies, some of them travelled through the night to get to the clinic. Some of the ladies are still in the process of chemo or radiation, some just healing from surgery and waiting for chemo etc. There is no one type of patient. Many of the women need emotional support and validation that she is still feminine after a mastectomy; other patients are further along the journey and can be emotional support for others” Clearly the women travel to the clinic for so much more than just a boob!
Over the years the informal caring efforts of Canadian breast cancer survivor, Jackie, evolved into a well- organized annual event that culminates in two and a half days of service and fellowship. Due to an expanded base of American and Canadian professional medical supply companies, the CdM is able to provide a new specialty bra- which would cost approximately $1,800 pesos to buy in Mexico; a new or gently used silicon prosthesis- which would cost $2,700 pesos in Mexico; and a wig- costing $600-$6,000 pesos to purchase here. It’s very understandable why 99% of the Mexican breast cancer patients are unable to afford these items that are so vital to her recovery process. But paying the emotional and physical price isn’t the only thing these ladies have to face. In some cases, not having the economic resources to face this process can cause greater havoc than the disease itself.
There is a reason why special bras are required in conjunction with the prostheses. Specialized lingerie is designed to support prosthesis and prevent it from moving or coming out of the neckline. Its internal pockets are made of elastic and resistant materials (spandex). In some bra styles, the straps are wider and padded to prevent the appearance of lymphedema (excess lymphatic fluid accumulated in the tissues of the arm). The materials are usually soft so as not to cause irritation or discomfort.
One of the side effects of breast cancer is lymphedema, which can be very disfiguring and painful and affect the woman’s quality of life. During the past seven years the CdM clinic has included lymphedema support by providing compression sleeves and bandaging to affected women. In 2023, over 220 women that came to the clinic had onset or full blown lymphedema. Fortunately the Clinic is able to provide a trained volunteer team to fit patients with appropriate compressive sleeves etc. But this specialized treatment has a significant cost which is why lymphedema support is not generally available to Mexican women due to a minimum cost or $2,645 pesos each.
Another factor regarding the lymphedema materials is that in the tropical climate they wear out quickly. According to one manufacturer “Each garment should last 3 to 6 months, if you are wearing them every day. So your two garments usually last 6 to 12 months before they need replacing.” The returning Lymphedema patients had no access to replacement sleeves for almost three years- they were so happy for the new ones! Just imagine the relief from the compression sleeves.
Organizing and transporting the inventory to La Penita each winter requires an enormous effort by many volunteers. In addition to the volunteers on site each clinic day, there are many more ladies working behind the scenes that help by collecting supplies throughout the year, sorting, hauling and organizing supplies in the Senior Center. It’s very impressive because we’re talking about international distances. The Executive committee appreciates all those that volunteer their time or who donate.
One comment that has stayed with me from a patient in 2008 (the first year that I volunteered) is: “I came as a stranger but I leave as a friend.” It sums up interaction of both volunteer and patients. The Cancer de Mama Clinic isn’t about simply things, it is an opportunity for cancer survivors to FEEL GOOD LOOK GOOD. The hundreds of caring volunteers that make, donate, organize so many bras, beanie bags tidbits, scarves, hats, wigs, hand sewn reusable bags, with little toiletry gifts to treat the ladies of Nayarit are giving positive energy to each woman. It’s no surprise that so many Mexican women look past the pain of cancer to look forward to a day of wellness and emotional support.
