I am a three-time breast cancer and pancreatic cancer warrior. I have been blessed to be a mother to three amazing children, a registered nurse by profession, and a tattoo artist who gives back by restoring confidence to others who have undergone mastectomy surgery through areola tattooing.

My first cancer diagnosis came when I was just 19 years old. My nipple inverted and began to drain a black substance from the center. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), Stage 3, BRCA+, and underwent a lumpectomy followed by several weeks of oral chemotherapy. Life went on — I built my career and raised my children — until, in my mid-30s, I received another call: breast cancer, stage 3.

This time, I had a partial mastectomy, radiation treatments five days a week, and two years of intensive IV chemotherapy. I lost my hair and my sense of taste, but by the grace of God, I beat cancer again. I was placed on Tamoxifen but had to stop after 3.5 years following another PET scan that revealed a recurrence. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, followed by a hysterectomy a few months later on my oncologist’s recommendation. I was once again declared in remission — for nearly three years.

Then, in December 2016, cancer returned. This time, it had metastasized to my pancreas. My doctor prescribed IV chemotherapy every three weeks, but by July 2018, he told me there was nothing more that could be done. He looked me in the eye and said, “Michelle, I’m giving you 30 days at best. Go home, get your affairs in order, and live your last days.” As I walked out of his office, I turned back and said, “See you in 30.”

That night, I prayed fervently for guidance — and in my heart, I heard a voice telling me to look for alternative treatments in Mexico. I followed that message and, within minutes, found Oasis of Hope Hospital. I filled out the online form, and just 15 minutes later, I received a call asking for more information. Within days, I was on a flight to Tijuana.

When I walked through the doors of Oasis of Hope, I felt an overwhelming peace wash over me. The entire staff made me feel like family. The patients came from all over the world, and we became each other’s support system. Dr. Contreras and his team treated me not as a case, but as a person — with compassion, faith, and joy.

At Oasis of Hope, I learned how to heal my body and spirit. They taught me how to eat cleanly, shop smart, cook nutritiously, and praise God even in the darkest moments. The treatment rooms were bright and full of natural light — a reflection of the hope that filled the place.

Today, I am living proof of God’s grace and the power of holistic healing. Two years after being given 30 days to live, I returned to Oasis of Hope for evaluation — and the studies showed I was in complete remission.

Cancer isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And by the grace of God, I’m still running strong.