A cancer diagnosis does not only signal the beginning of a long physical battle among patients. It also affects the mental and emotional state of patients and their families, crippling their daily lives and making them feel that life will never get back to normal again.
But there are cancer patients whose mind and bodies empower them to turn things around. Take April Perreras, mom of two, who used exercise as an ally in her road to becoming cancer-free as an example. Now two years after her diagnosis, she remains to have No Evidence of Disease!
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mommy April shares that movement and exercise, when integrated into one’s routine, can be a life-saving habit. This is her story.
Mommy April had a history of benign cysts in her 20’s. This prompted her to regularly check her breasts every month. In October 2021, she felt a pellet-sized lump on her right breast. She had it checked right away, and test results came out to be highly suspicious for malignancy. In April 2022, after some procedures and further check-up, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.
It’s one thing to receive and process the diagnosis; it’s another to explain it to her daughters Brie and Lauren, whose young minds may not be able to grasp the weight of the situation. But Mommy April didn’t want cancer to be this looming fear in their lives, but rather a reminder of how crucial it is to care for oneself. She wanted them to understand that while they can’t always control what happens, they can make choices that will give them the best shot at health.
Mommy April has always worked hard to be fit and healthy; ironically, her diagnosis came at the peak of her health. It was her husband Duanne who reminded her to look at the bright side, and to see that the situation is to her advantage because her body is strong and can fight through the process.
So she focused on preparing her body for surgery and treatment through exercise and movement.
Before she was declared NED (no evidence of disease) in November 2022, Mommy April had undergone 22 sessions of radiation. Post surgery, she made sure she was moving and walking around the house to keep her circulation flowing. She also did some gentle arm movements and stretching to prevent side effects after procedures.
By end of 2022, she regained her pre-cancer strength back. She lost 10 pounds and a lot of muscle mass because of cancer, but she was eager to continue rebuilding strength.
Because of her experience, Mommy April became a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist in 2023; and currently one of the 2 CES in the country. She also created @movebeyondcancer – a platform dedicated to promoting exercise, early detection, offering coaching services, and advocating for cancer survivors. Through it, she commits to safely “help fellow warriors to Restart, Rebuild and Reclaim their bodies.”
Mommy April encourages everyone, especially those going through illness, to keep moving—even if it’s just a short walk or some light stretching. According to her, the movement doesn’t have to be anything intense; what matters is “finding something you enjoy and making it part of your routine.”
She also reminds women that along with movement, a self-breast exam for early detection is a must. Mommy April continues to use her platforms to advocate #feelitonthefirst, or self-examining every first day of the month. “It only takes a minute or two to look and feel for any changes in your breasts. And when in doubt, get checked out by your doctor and have an ultrasound or mammogram,” she shares on her Instagram post.
In her journey to being cancer-free, Mommy April has shown that movement wasn’t just about staying physically healthy. It was about holding onto hope and keeping an even stronger mind to go through the hardest moments. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter what obstacles come our way, there’s always strength to be found in always moving forward.