Body and Soul: A Journey of Self-Discovery After Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a journey that no one willingly embarks on, but it can often lead to life-changing transformations. For Dulce Santiago-Montoya, a woman full of positivity and resilience, this journey became a path to self-discovery and a deeper love for herself.
In March 2015, at the age of 33, Dulce was diagnosed with stage 2b HER2+ breast cancer. But by September of the same year, a more serious diagnosis emerged—stage 3a triple-negative breast cancer. Her treatment plan included 21 weeks of chemotherapy and a partial skin-sparing mastectomy. Yet, despite these intense treatments, her tumors persisted, requiring further treatments and radiation.
Dulce's healing journey wasn't merely physical—it was an emotional transformation as well. Before her diagnosis, she lived a life centered around pleasing others, particularly her husband. She had married young and tailored her lifestyle to fit her husband's expectations. But when he left her in December 2016, Dulce's world shifted.
Feeling abandoned and struggling with low self-esteem, especially after another relationship ended, Dulce chose to fight back. Instead of succumbing to depression, she embraced self-love with the help of her friends.
The physical impact of breast cancer initially left Dulce feeling like "the bride of Frankenstein," questioning her worth and attractiveness. However, with time and support from her community, including Stori Nagel, the founder of Haus of Volta, she learned to embrace her scars as symbols of her strength and resilience. She discovered her beauty ran far deeper than her skin, sparking her journey towards self-love and acceptance.
Beauty Beyond Scars
Haus of Volta, a non-profit organization, offers complimentary photoshoots to women diagnosed with breast cancer. It was through this initiative that Dulce met Stori, a state leader with the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), and found a powerful opportunity to reimagine herself.
Dulce and Stori.
Participating in Haus of Volta's photoshoots was transformative for Dulce. It gave her a platform to express her creativity, reclaim her sensuality, and most importantly, see herself beyond her scars. Reflecting on her photos, she saw a woman who was beautiful inside and out.
Stori believes that women, especially those who are married or have children, often put others' needs before their own and need to be reminded of their beauty. At Haus of Volta, women learn they're more than just their diagnosis—they're unique, special, and undeniably beautiful.
Becoming A Beacon of Hope
For Dulce, breast cancer isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving and inspiring others. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she noticed a lack of resources and support for individuals like her battling breast cancer. This spurred her to create a safe space as a Young Survival Coalition support group leader, where unique frustrations and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community could be openly shared and understood.
Dulce encourages those wrestling with their identity in the breast cancer community to see beyond their scars. She urges them to be bold, fearless, and do what brings them joy. She underscores the importance of self-advocacy, particularly during decisions surrounding mastectomy and reconstruction.
Dulce's journey is a testament to resilience, self-love, and the power of community. Through her story, she inspires others to recognize their own beauty and strength, and to face any challenge with the heart of a warrior.
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