In her own words: Estela Casas opens up about double mastectomy

ABC 7 news anchor Estela Casas will be away from the anchor desk for about 4 weeks.

Casas is having surgery this week. Doctors say a double mastectomy is the next step in her journey to becoming cancer-free.

“It is devastating news. The C word is a death sentence for a lot of people,” Casas said.

Almost five months have passed since Casas was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and shared the news with her family, friends and viewers.

“It’s just ups and downs, and tears, and laughter and joy and heartache and so many different emotions,” Casas said.

Months of chemotherapy led to hair loss, weight loss, fatigue and other side-effects.

Doctors believe the treatment worked. But Casas must now undergo a double mastectomy.

“It is a must that Estela go for surgery. So, we can take this tissue out and examine it under the microscope and confirm that it is much smaller or has disappeared,” said Dr. Panagiotis Valilis, an oncologist.

“I have cleared some hurdles but, I am certainly not in the clear yet. There are a lot of challenges ahead. This surgery is major surgery and things can go wrong,” Casas said.

Casas remains optimistic, but is realistic about the time she will need to heal.

“I am going to be gone for at least four weeks. It all depends on how my body reacts. And how I am emotionally and physically. All of those things I have to consider. So, I am going to be away for a little bit, taking care of myself,” Casas said.

As serious as the situation is Casas has maintained her sense of humor.
From her pink and blue wigs to her decision to get breast implants after the surgery.

“Every 10 days to two weeks, they have to go in and put liquid in there to expand the skin and get the breasts the size that I want them. Out to here. (jokingly extends arms as far as they reach) I am just kidding. I am just kidding,” Casas said.

All kidding aside, a big part of Casas’ strength has come from her fund Stand with Estela.

“It has been more of an effort to focus, not a distraction. But to focus on what really matters. And that’s getting well and helping others get well,” Casas said.

Her cancer journey has been a life-changing experience for her and her family. She recalls a recent conversation with her son.

“He said mom, I have gotten a lot stronger. And because of what we have been through, I can get through anything. And that was eyeopening. As a mom, that’s something that I am proud of,” Casas said.

Casas wanted to relay this to all of you who have been following her on her cancer journey.

“I am humbled and blessed for all your prayers and well wishes. I am forever grateful to God, family, friends and those of you have been walking alongside me through this difficult journey. Keep me and others on their cancer journey in your prayers,” Casas said.

If you want to share your well wishes or notes for Estela, just use our share feature at kvia.com. It’s on the top of the homepage under the share tab.