Meet April: A Breast Cancer Survivor, Advocate, and Thriver

Meet community member, April! April is a huge supporter and long time loving customer of AnaOno, who shared her breast cancer experience with us.

Can you share a brief summary of your breast cancer diagnosis?

"I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, stage 2B, in April 2022. My cancer was ER/PR positive and HER2 negative."

Can you walk us through your surgical journey?

"My treatment included three breast cancer surgeries. What was initially planned as a single excision biopsy in April revealed positive margins, requiring a second surgery in May to remove remaining cancer and perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy. During that procedure, another tumor was discovered, and the full extent of cancer in my right breast remained unclear.

After careful consideration, I chose a bilateral mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction for my third surgery in July. During that procedure, six additional tumors were found in my right breast. Thankfully, that surgery resulted in clear margins, confirming that all the cancer had been removed."

What led you to choose surgery?

"The lump I felt was deeply unsettling, and I didn’t feel comfortable simply monitoring it with a core needle biopsy. I wanted the entire lump removed so I wouldn’t have to live with ongoing uncertainty. That decision led to my excision biopsy on April 1—and ultimately to my cancer diagnosis."

What is something important you want others to know about breast cancer recovery?

"Recovery doesn’t end when treatment stops. Healing is a long process—physically, emotionally, and mentally. For me, recovery meant learning to trust my body again, rebuilding strength, and processing the trauma of my experience.

I didn’t expect the emotional impact—fear of recurrence, uncertainty about life after cancer—to last longer than the physical wounds. I also wish I had been better prepared for long-term side effects like changes in mobility and the risk of lymphedema.

Those challenges inspired me to become a Cancer Exercise Specialist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, so I could help others navigate recovery safely and with confidence."

What is the most important takeaway you hope others gain from your story?

"There is life after breast cancer. It won’t look the same, and it won’t always be easy—but it can still be strong, joyful, and meaningful.

Early detection saved my life. Through this journey, I found my voice and a deeper purpose: spreading awareness, encouraging self-advocacy, and supporting others through their healing.

"Ask questions. Be proactive. Advocate for yourself. No one knows your body better than you."

If you could describe AnaOno in one word, what would it be?

"Empowering."

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

"I share my full breast cancer journey on Instagram at @aprilperreras, where my highlights are available for anyone seeking connection or hope.

My platform @movebeyondcancer focuses on early detection, lymphedema awareness, and the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment and recovery, along with my work as a Cancer Exercise Specialist and Lymphedema Therapist."