Silvana Cusimano

In March 2009, when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ER Positive, Her2 Neg Breast Cancer, I was going thru fertility treatments and had to put my baby plans on hold. I am now a 17 year Breast Cancer Survivor, with the BRCA 2 Gene and now a THRIVER after being diagnosed 8 years ago with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, and than 2 years ago diagnosed again in April 2024 and still in the fight against MBC.

Soon after I was diagnosed, I had a double mastectomy where I was able to get implants wrapped in cadaver tissue, and allowed me to have a speedy recovery prior to my 8 rounds of chemotherapy. Just 2-1/2 short years after, they found a lesion on my thoracic spine which went on a “watch” after a failed biopsy.  3 years later, I had my ovaries removed to remove the risk of Ovarian Cancer.  2 years later after having multiple polyps removed from my uterus due to the drug I was taken, I had a hysterectomy.  Then in 2018 just shy of my10 year mark, the lesion on my spine changed. We did a biopsy and confirmed my breast cancer metastasized and had one round of radiation, 5X the intensity and killed the tumor.  Then in 2022, my implant had ruptured and had a choice to either replace my implants or to do the DIEP Flap, where they remove the abdominal tissue and make breasts, eliminating the implants, had an amazing recovery and back in the gym in 6 weeks.  Then in 2024, tumors popped up on my tailbone and again, on my thoracic spine.  After 2 failed drugs, I am now on a chemotherapy drug called Xeloda for life, getting monthly shots of Faslodex, and Zometa infusion every 4 months.  This has now become a job, a life sentence.

Throughout my journey, I was overwhelmed with the outpouring support of not only my family but of my co-workers and friends.  I feel that my purpose is to be a positive influence and a role model, not only to them but to their children.  The cancer may have taken my fertility but I have 2 amazing stepsons who have supported me throughout my journey; and have 5 grandchildren.  I am also godmother to 5 beautiful children, who inspire and motivate me to want to always try to shine a light and look to me for guidance.  

In 2017, I was given the opportunity to work with American Cancer Society as the Senior Community Development Manager overseeing the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer moving the walk from Prospect Park to Coney Island in Brooklyn.  On a personal note, I do my best to take care of myself, as one of my passions is to work out amongst other activities to keep me healthy and strong.  I believe in Life is for the Living!  My motto is “Don't let Cancer get in the way of your Life, Let your Life get in the way of Cancer”.

I believe that life is for the living and make the most of what life has to offer. I am a contributing author for 2 books, offered my support to many survivors and have shared my story on several platforms ie Spartan Race at Tuxedo Park, where I was highlighted on CNBC Sports in 2014; 2016 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on News 12 Brooklyn which sparked over 8,000 viewers, as well as, keynote speaker at Light Up the Night Pink in 2022 to mention a few.

Follow me on Instagram @chillysil; @silvanacusimano on Facebook; @silvanacusimano64 on TikTok

You can also email me at: silvanacusimano@gmail.com