About Isabella
Hi, I’m Isabella.
I live in Texas now, but I’m originally from the Bay Area in Northern California. All of my education took place in Southern California, where I earned a Master’s in Sports Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. I was two years away from completing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology when breast cancer changed everything.
Here’s what happened…
In 2004, I had a routine mammogram after noticing something slightly unusual about my right breast. I wasn’t in pain. There was no discharge. But the scan revealed something suspicious, and I was referred to a surgeon.
After a lumpectomy, I was told I had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—precancer. To reduce the risk, a mastectomy was scheduled, along with immediate reconstruction. That began the long journey: healing from surgery, managing drains, and enduring the expander process—weekly saline injections to stretch the skin before the implant could be placed.
Just a year later, a mammogram revealed invasive cancer in my other breast. Another mastectomy was scheduled. Another round of reconstruction.
For two years, I went through surgeries, rehab, and all the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom fighting to stay strong for her child.
Then, in 2007—while visiting my mom for Christmas—I ended up in the ER. An MRI revealed something I never expected: Stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to my cerebellum (the rear of the brain). It affected my balance and motor coordination. In 2010, increasing pressure on my brain led to three hydrocephalus surgeries to help manage the swelling.
And through it all…
I’m glad to say that though I was diagnosed with breast cancer when my son was just 3 years old, I’m now a proud mother to a 23-year-old son. In the midst of the cancer, I wasn’t sure I’d live long enough to see him graduate from high school. So, I created something I called a Memory Box. Inside it, I placed handwritten cards for his future birthdays, his engagement, and his wedding. I included clothes I wanted him to wear for his first job interview, a pair of cufflinks, my will, and instructions for redeeming a life insurance policy when he reached a certain age. I even tucked in a journal I kept during my divorce—so he’d always know the truth. I just wanted him to have pieces of me, in case I didn’t make it. I wanted my son to feel supported even if I was gone and that I was thinking of him every step of the way.
Also during this time, it was a challenge for my husband who had lost his mother to breast cancer not long before I was diagnosed. He tried to keep me encouraged and even framed my degrees to remind me of my accomplishments. As far as I can tell, it all became too much for him, and he decided to leave. I ended up fighting for custody of my son while fighting for my life.
But here’s the truth:
It was hard. Life-changing. And many days, I didn’t think I would make it.
But I did.
Thank you, Lord.
And if you’re facing this journey—you can get through it, too.
Why I started this website
After surviving Stage 4 cancer, a divorce, and a custody battle all at once, I knew one thing for certain: an advanced breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
I started volunteering at the American Cancer Society to support other women going through the same thing. Eventually, I realized I could reach even more women by creating this space—this website—to share my story, offer encouragement, and remind you that you are not alone.
I’m a survivor.
You can be one, too.
Let’s walk this journey together.
Isabella
Would you like to know more about my story?
If you’d like to read more about my struggle with this disease while fighting many other obstacles and find out how I learned to remain positive and trust in God’s loving embrace to help me fight this overwhelming battle, you are welcome to order my book. Hopefully, you will get something out of my story to help see your experience differently. Your disposition is everything!