Two days ago, she started chemotherapy to treat the breast cancer with lymph node metastasis that was diagnosed last May. Gaia Padovan, a Mediaset journalist, 44 years old and a mother of two young children, wanted to share with her followers the feelings she is experiencing, the difficulties she has faced and still expects, her fears, and her hopes.
«I discovered it two months ago», she told the Corriere. «I lost my balance on my bike, hit the handlebars, and accidentally felt this lump. At first, I wanted to let it go because I had an ultrasound just a few months prior, but a friend who regularly visits the Iov (Veneto Oncology Institute) insisted that I get checked. And thank goodness, because the breast cancer was already locally advanced with lymph node metastasis».
On Instagram, she shared a long post: «They will tell you that millions of people go through this nightmare and that many make it, they will tell you that you are a very strong woman, that you always have been. But you will be devastated, shocked, incredulous», she wrote. «Breast cancer is still today the leading cause of cancer death in the female population. You are gambling with life, you are aware of it, and it’s panic. But little by little, you metabolize and stop asking why me, with two beautiful kids and so many lives to live. But you move forward, one step at a time, one day at a time».
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After the first chemotherapy, «the dreaded “red”», «I felt terrible, really terrible. I felt poisoned. I tried to endure with the cap that freezes the head at 3 degrees, in an attempt to save my hair, but nothing, I couldn’t do it. I told myself who cares, we will lose them, we will be wonderful anyway, I will wear the pink wig that didn’t seem appropriate at Mediaset, they will grow back more beautiful and stronger than before».
The diagnosis of cancer «destroys you. But it’s not a death sentence either. Because if you trust in science and don’t lose hope or faith for those who have it, you can make it».
Gaia Padovan has learned a lot in her journey and wants to share with her followers the «rule» she learned: «Don’t fall into the internet trap because you are not a statistic, stage three can mean anything or nothing, every story is unique. Trust completely in medicine. We Venetians are lucky to have an excellence right at home, the IOV research and treatment center is among the best in Italy. I am infinitely grateful to them».
In 40 days, she will undergo surgery: «Months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy await me. For a while, I will have to take a break from work, but I will appear in the recordings and edits made in advance. Ah, the incomparable power of TV!».
And, above all, that of prevention: «It saves your life, do not postpone that visit. Because stress kills the body, oxytocin (hugs and smiles) and research make it reborn».