More life to live: Bronxville breast cancer survivor prepares for 49th half marathon
Viviana Figueroa, a Bronxville cancer survivor and marathon runner, spoke with News 12 on Saturday about the importance of early detection and what she has planned next.
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Viviana Figueroa, a Bronxville cancer survivor and marathon runner, spoke with News 12 on Saturday about the importance of early detection and what she has planned next.
She was diagnosed on Feb. 18, 2021 with stage 2 triple positive breast cancer at age 41 after discovering a lump during a self-examination.
"As you can imagine, my world fell apart,” she said. “I was newly married, living in the middle of a pandemic, working remotely...everything was new and here I was being told that I had cancer, I needed chemotherapy, I needed surgery, I needed radiation,” said Figueroa.
She then decided to get a second opinion from medical professionals at Mount Sinai Health System.
Fortunately for Figueroa, she had an over 90% chance of survival.
"Screening and catching breast cancer early leads to not only a good prognosis, but less side effects, and a much greater quality of life," said Dr. David Anderson, her breast surgical oncologist with the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute.
Today, Figueroa is cancer free and is continuing her love of running. In total, Figueroa has participated in a total of 49 half marathons, and 10 full marathons.
"Prior to cancer, I had a bunch of marathons under my belt and half marathons under my belt. I was sidelined due to treatment, which for a portion of time I grieved the loss of my fitness...but I was determined to bring it back," she said.
This Sunday, Figueroa will continue her favorite hobby by participating in the New York City Half Marathon.
The marathon also falls on the fourth anniversary of the first time she received chemotherapy.
"Cancer…isn't necessarily a death sentence, just a bad chapter...but there is more life to live after," she said.
