Instagram story viewer> @vslaurel> Posts

Veronica Saenz Laurel

@vslaurel

1.5K

followers

1548

following

Writing my next chapter.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

My flat story

A frequent question I get asked is why I chose to go flat after my breast cancer diagnosis. This is my story.

#breastcancersurvivor #breastcancer #survivorshipchronicles #survivorship #afc #aestheticflatclosure #flatandhappy by @vslaurel

165

33

2 years ago

Community 🩷

One of the unexpected things about breast cancer is the community you find along the way. People who just get it.

Shout out to my flatties, my Latinas and all the amazing humans who have come into my life and continue to bring me joy, laughter, love and a little bit of much-needed sass and whimsy.

Cancer may have brought us together, but the friendships, the laughs and the love are what keep me here. LYMI

#breastcancersurvivor #survivorshipchronicles #reclaimoctober by @vslaurel

27

5

a day ago

The flat life - people ask me why I didn’t opt for reconstruction after my mastectomy. The entertainment industry makes you think reconstruction is easy but in reality, it’s not. There are options such as implants, but not for me because of radiation. There is also flap reconstruction where they take tissue from other areas of your body for form breast mounds. This option could be a 12 hour surgery and I don’t do well under anesthesia. The risk was high. The fail rate was high. With reconstruction there was also the possibility of multiple surgeries for corrections or adjustments.

After a year of active treatment and being isolated because of the pandemic I did not want to commit to more “down time”. I wanted to start living my life as soon as possible. So I chose aesthetic flat closure (AFC).   Do I miss my breasts? Sometimes. But I love my life more.

#internationalflatday
#aestheticflatclosure
#breastcancer by @vslaurel

44

4

9 days ago

It’s Reclaim October

Yes, getting breast cancer sucked. It changed my body, my plans, my perspective and a whole lot of things I never asked it to change.

But I refuse to let breast cancer own October.

I’m reclaiming it for the women who are still here. For the women living with metastatic breast cancer who need more treatment options and, ultimately, more time. For the families who need support. For the researchers working toward better answers. And for everyone who wants to turn awareness into action.

There is still so much more to do.

So this October, don’t just wear pink. Put your money where your heart is. Hit the fundraising link in my bio and make a donation to @reclaim_october Fund research. Support someone living with Stage 4 breast cancer. Help move us closer to a day when a diagnosis doesn’t come with so much uncertainty.

#breastcancersurvivor #reclaimoctober #stage4needsmore by @vslaurel

128

1

11 days ago

Me encanta que San Antonio celebre tantas culturas. Jardín de las Catrinas en el @sabgtx

I love that San Antonio celebrates so many cultures. Jardín de las Catrinas at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. by @vslaurel

8

0

12 days ago

Breast cancer gave me snark. When people said I was strong I’d say well it’s this or die. When someone asked why I cut off all my hair I said I cut off my boobs too. I know most of the time people had good intentions but gahhhh it was exhausting.

I appreciated my friends who didn’t ask me how I was doing (with pity). I appreciated the friends who treated me exactly the same and didn’t bring up cancer. I appreciated the memes, the gifs and anything that made me laugh.

Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is hard enough. Don’t add the pressure of being strong or resilient on top.

#breastcancersurvivor #reclaimoctober #breastcancerawarenessmonth🎀 by @vslaurel

66

9

14 days ago

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Know your normal. Check your chest. Do your self exam. Get your mammogram.

October is more than pink.

#breastcancerawarenessmonth🎀
#knowyournormal
#feelitonthefirst
#reclaimoctober by @vslaurel

17

0

15 days ago

Oh September, my favorite month of the year. It feels like you just got here and are already leaving. There was plenty of work and a little bit of fun. I laughed, I cried and I cried laughing. I guess that’s pretty good. So long for now!

#survivorshipchronicles #breastcancersurvivor #birthdaymonth #virgo by @vslaurel

10

0

16 days ago

Work trip = fun
Met the new boss.
Caught up with coworkers.
So many laughs.
Black outfits 🖤
Baby fish on my salad! 🫪
Finding friends at the airport! by @vslaurel

34

1

22 days ago

Attended @texas.oncology.foundation Survive and Thrive this weekend and had the best time. This is my third year attending and the first that G was able to join me. Loved seeing friends I’ve made throughout the years and making new friends. My cup runneth over.

#surviveandthrive #survivorshipchronicles #breastcancersurvivor taken in Georgetown, Texas by @vslaurel

25

0

a month ago

I wish I kept track of the number of doctor’s visits I’ve had since breast cancer entered my life.

It started in December 2019 when I felt a lump. Then came the appointments, scans, biopsies, consultations and eventually a breast cancer diagnosis in January 2020. And then… it just spiraled from there.

People sometimes ask, “Why do you take pictures when you’re in the doctor’s office?”

My usual answer is, “It’s where I spend a lot of time.”

But there’s another reason.

When I was first diagnosed and searched “breast cancer” online I didn’t see people who looked like me. All I found was photos of older Caucasian women. I eventually found my community with @forthebreastofus and @the_breasties

And this is also why I talk so much about the importance of Latinx taking care of their health. Regular checkups, screenings and talking to your doctor matter. Don’t wait until something feels wrong to make an appointment. Know your family history, know your body and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

For me, one lump led to a life-changing diagnosis.

I’m grateful I went to the doctor. And I’m even more grateful that I kept showing up. I have the pictures to prove it.

#breastcancersurvivor #survivorshipchronicles #latinxbreastie #hispanicheritagemonth by @vslaurel

33

0

a month ago

It’s #hispanicheritagemonth and Latinas should know their risk for breast cancer. Talk with your family members. Know your family medical history. Get your screenings done.

#breastcancer #latinahealth #breastcancerswareness by @vslaurel

112

2

a month ago