Guerdy Abraira's Breast Cancer Surgery
- “The Real Housewives of Miami” star Guerdy Abraira, 45, was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in March 2023 after a routine mammogram and just had surgery to remove her cancer.
- It’s unclear if she had a lumpectomy (removal of tumor and some surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removal of entire breast). We also don’t know if she’ll continue to have treatment, but she said she will keep her fans updated.
- She also took the time to thank her fans who’ve taken the time to reach out with messages of support since her diagnosis: “You guys are my GUERDIANS.”
- Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin encourages people with cancer to surround themselves with supportive people throughout treatment. Loneliness can be unhealthy for people during their recovery.
- Another breast cancer survivor found support in her siblings, who came to appointments and helped ask questions and take notes.
Abraira was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2023 after a routine mammogram.
Read MoreFinding Support During a Cancer Journey
Abraira had her cancer surgically removed, but it’s unclear whether she needed a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
A lumpectomy is a type of breast cancer surgery where doctors remove the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue called the margin.
A mastectomy, on the other hand, is a breast cancer surgery where all breast tissue is removed from the breast. When the tissue from one breast is removed it is called a unilateral, or single, mastectomy, but when tissue from both breasts is removed it’s called a bilateral, or double, mastectomy.
The Unique Features of Breast Cancer: Deciding the Right Course of Treatment
We also don’t know what future treatments she will need, if any, but it’s nice to see Abraira is in good spirits following her surgery. In her most recent Instagram post, she gave an update while thanking her followers for all the support she’s received since sharing the news of her diagnosis.
View this post on Instagram
“THANK YOU to every single person for your words of support,” she wrote in her caption. “You guys are my GUERDIANS. All your prayers definitely got me through my surgery! The fight is not over as you know but just the beginning…but getting the surgery to remove the cancer at least was an emotional ‘win’ for sure #ittakesavillage #guerdyfight #guerdians”
In a video message included in the post, Abraira shared a bit more detail about her cancer journey thus far.
“Today was surgery, and you know we came out on top it looks like,” she said. “So, we’ll see what happens, and we’ll keep you posted as I get more developments with the results of the pathology stuff.”
Finding Support During a Cancer Journey like Guerdy Abraira
Finding sources of support during a cancer battle can be huge. It’s likely Guerdy Abraira has other sources of support as well, but it’s great she’s drawn so much strength from her followers’ kind messages.
“Your prayers, I felt the love, I just want to tell you how deep and amazing and intense your show of love has been and your amazing, positive messages have been,” she said in her recent Instagram video.
“I just really wanted to tell you that not one message was not read. Every single message was read, every single voice memo, every single DM, text messages. So, whether I replied or not, I want you to know that.
“I love you so much. Thank you to everyone.”
Finding the Support You Need to Heal During Cancer Treatment
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin previously explained to SurvivorNet that "studies have found consistently that loneliness is a significant risk factor for physical and mental illnesses and the trajectory of recovery."
That’s why she encourages people with cancer to surround themselves with people who care about them throughout treatment.
Some people find crucial support on social media, some turn to support groups, others look toward family and friends. There are no right or wrong ways to seek support, but it’s important to try.
For breast cancer survivor Carrie Kreiswirth, it was her siblings who really showed her all the love she needed when times were tough. She looks back on their actions during her breast cancer journey with the utmost gratitude.
I Wanted to Be Me Again, But I Also Needed Their Help Finding That Support System
"My brother and sister did not live near me at the time [of my diagnosis], and they made sure they were at my door that evening so they could come with me to my appointment the following day … which I am thankful for now, I was thankful for then, and I will be grateful forever," Carrie said.
"My brother and sister helped ask questions, take notes, they were absolute rock stars.
“I do remember walking out of the hospital locked arms with my brother on one side and my sister on the other and I just collapsed … I lost it.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.