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Thanksgiving Weekend: A New Journey Begins

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness, but this year, our holiday took an unexpected turn. On Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, my mom began experiencing sharp, jolting back pain. It wasn’t just an ache or soreness—it was 10/10 pain, striking multiple times an hour, no matter whether she was sitting, standing, or lying down.

As the pain grew unbearable, we made the decision to take her to the emergency room. After hours of waiting and testing, we were given news we hadn’t anticipated. The doctors found a 5x5 cm mass on her right kidney, a finding they believed was consistent with renal cell carcinoma.

In that moment, the world felt heavy, and yet, even in uncertainty, my mom’s strength and resolve shone through. When the ER doctor tried to soften the blow, she looked him straight in the eye and said, “Don’t sugarcoat it, doctor.” That’s who my mom is—fearless, direct, and ready to face whatever comes next.

This blog is our way of navigating the road ahead. It’s a space to share updates, stay connected with our incredible support system, and draw strength from the collective love and hope surrounding her.

More than anything, this is a testament to my mom’s enduring spirit and the Sí Se Puede mantra she has carried throughout her life—a mantra that has lifted me in my toughest moments, and one we now rally behind for her. Sí Se Puede Hazel.

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Next steps:

• Additional scans and tests to get a clearer picture.

• First urology oncology appointment with City of Hope’s Dr. Corey Hugen on Monday, 12/19.