~ Maso’s experience ~
After having a double mastectomy during her battle with breast cancer, survivor Marcellina “Maso” Loblack decided to have breast reconstruction to show that there are options for women who undergo this procedure.
The Assistant Mediator at Department of Labour has been busy with her breast reconstruction over the past year. She did the procedure in the Dominican Republic after having an unfortunate experience in Curaçao during the removal of her second breast and the reconstruction procedure.
In August last year, she was referred to Dr. Manuel Espaillat in the Dominican Republic. She had to be treated first and wait six months before she could begin reconstruction.
Loblack tells Health and Beauty “I left St. Maarten at the end of March 2014 to start the five-phase process of breast reconstruction. For the first phase, breast expanders were place under my skin and muscles in order the have my skin and muscles expand enough to have the implants placed.”
“I was supposed to stay in the Dominican Republic for three to four months, but after the first phase, I was allowed to leave and return every 15 days to have the expanders filled which is the second phase of the process. After six fillings, my skin and muscles were stretched enough to the size I wanted, so the expanders were removed and replaced with implants. This was the third phase, which was completed in August.”
Loblack said the fourth phase was to make her nipples, a process that was completed three days before her birthday. “Imagine me having to spend my birthday abroad, but I looked at it as my birthday gift and a step closer to closing a new chapter of my life.”
The last phase of the process was tattooing areola of her breast. “This process was one that I enjoyed and if I had to do it over again, I would,” said Loblack, who founded and runs the Still Beautiful Foundation – an organisation that aims to help empower women and men who are suffering from breast cancer, while still providing the support they require to continue the fight and remain “still beautiful” during the entire process.
“I've been asked why I did reconstruction and for me, it's simple. I did it to remind women that as bad as it is to lose your breast, there is always the option to reconstruct. This is also covered by Social and Health Care Insurances SZV.”
Loblack was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. She fought back to give her children the chance she never had with her own mother who succumbed to breast cancer on September 24, 1995, when Loblack was just 22 years old. On July 4, 2012, a radiologist saw a tumour and advised her to do a mammogram. She made an appointment to see Dr. Ferrier that same afternoon and was told that the tumour was already three centimetres and a biopsy was immediately needed. The biopsy, done three days later, showed that Loblack had stage three cancer. She was urged to do a mastectomy, which she did.
Loblack has been cancer-free since her procedure and. “My toughest challenge over the past three years was watching my children having to deal with it and not knowing what tomorrow held for us as a family. Despite it all, my children used this as their stepping block and excelled in school. Today, my daughter has graduated with a degree in International Marketing and Communication and my son is in his last year of high school HAVO 5. I couldn't have asked anything better for them. I've watched them grown and became young adults overnight. So, if I am no longer on this earth tomorrow, I can rest assured because they are ready.”
“I'm not going to say that I never had times that I wanted to give up, but it was during these times more than ever that I prayed and strengthened my faith along with the love I have for my children and the love they have for me.”
Loblack said this experience has taught her to never take life for granted, because in the blink of an eye, your life can change. “I will continue to encourage both women and men to always give their health priority. Have your regular medical check-ups. Don't be afraid to check if you think or feel that health-wise something is wrong. The earlier you check, the longer your chances are for a healthier life in the long run.”
“I believe women are more aware than men, but for some reason, they are not using the activities enough to go and get check, but instead they look forward to the activities for more of the fun part than the issue at hand. My reason for saying this is because the turnout for the fun activities is more than for the information sessions. While it's all good, you still need to get informed. The more you know, the better you can help yourself as well as others who are dealing with it.”
She believes that stigma still exists in St. Maarten. “I respect women who want to keep it private. But I believe strongly that speaking out will not only help you as the person battling cancer, but also your family. Remember, this does not only affect the individual, but also their family and close friends.”
“Together and only together can we help break this. I'm not asking anyone to be a Maso; but I'm asking you to help others help themselves and family. Many women and men alike are afraid of knowing; but I will continue to say that by knowing, you can and will be able to celebrate many more birthdays and be around your loved ones. Don't let losing a breast or your hair define who you are as a person.”
Loblack’s Still Beautiful Foundation has been in existence for a little over a year now.
The Foundation is modelled after Curaçao’s “Fundashon Sinta Ros” and it has been busy counselling, supporting and encouraging patients as well as their family members. “It hasn't been easy to sit and listen and see the worry, pain and sorrow in their eyes. My board consists of very supportive, encouraging and hardworking people that have no problem giving up some of their personal time to those in need of our support.”
St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has upgraded its chemo treatment facility and patients can now be more at ease while undergoing treatment.
Loblack said breast cancer diagnoses stand at 40 per cent worldwide and the numbers are increasing despite the fact that women and men are living longer because of the improvement in treatments. “St. Maarten is no exception. We too have seen an increase in more persons being diagnosed with breast cancer. In the last three years, I have seen a big change in a positive way in our healthcare providers where breast cancer is concerned and I would like to see even bigger changes when we get our new hospital with more specialists, including a plastic surgeon.”
Loblack said she and members of the board of Still Beautiful Foundation will continue to support, encourage and be a listening ear to others battling the disease, “because we know that a great support system makes it easier.”
“St. Maarten, remember that breast cancer doesn't start or end in October; it is throughout the year. So if you know someone who has been diagnosed with this, I beg you to take a stand and give your support. I never let breast cancer wear me out; neither should you – Still beautiful, before, during and beyond.”
