Mother of Four Finds Hope After Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis

Isabel Córdova, a 52-year-old mother from Cuenca, Ecuador, has dedicated much of her life to the education and development of her four children. Nine years ago, however, when her children were still little, Isabel received unexpected news that changed her life completely.

Isabel was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 43 years old following a routine hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids. She had scheduled the procedure in August to not interfere with her children’s school activities, but the pathology report revealed the unexpected diagnosis. 

She remembers experiencing no obvious symptoms, but felt constantly fatigued. “I didn't feel anything at the beginning but looking back, I had stopped going to the gym because of my extreme fatigue. At that time, I didn't give it any importance, but in the long run I realized that this was an early symptom of my illness.”

After receiving her diagnosis in Ecuador, Isabel and her family decided to seek a second opinion through their international insurance. They were directed to Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and had their first meeting with the hospital team on August 20, 2015. 

After her diagnosis, Isabel had to leave her family in Ecuador so she could receive treatment. (Photos Courtesy: Isabel Córdova)

From the moment of her arrival, Isabel knew she was in the right place. “I arrived at the Global International Center and they welcomed me very kindly. I was terrified with my diagnosis and those who treated me always had the right words to calm me down. The process was agile and very organized, starting with appointments in the department of gynecologic oncology, where her doctor was able to confirm the diagnosis following a PET scan.

Isabel had to make the difficult decision to leave her four children and her husband in Ecuador to begin her treatment plan which included chemotherapy and radiotherapy simultaneously. She would remain in Florida for almost four months. Staying in a hotel across from the Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital campus, she had the constant support of her family: her four sisters took turns visiting her, and her husband traveled periodically to be by her side in addition to taking care of their four children who needed her so much. 

Additional studies performed at Cleveland Clinic revealed critical details that had not been identified in Ecuador, such as metastases in two lymph nodes.

After completing her initial treatment in November 2015, Isabel returned to Ecuador with optimism. For the next two years, she visited Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital every six months to make sure her health remained stable.

In November 2017, a PET scan revealed that the cancer had returned in one of the previously affected lymph nodes. This diagnosis was an emotional shock for Isabel, but also the beginning of a new phase in her treatment. Her doctors at Cleveland Clinic quickly scheduled her for surgery for that same month.

Following the procedure, Isabel continued a rigorous medical follow-up schedule, until she received the news in November 2024 that marked a new milestone in her life: she was officially cancer-free. 

During her four months of treatment, Isabel's family would make the trips to Florida to help her through her treatment. (Photos Courtesy: Isabel Córdova)

Although the joy of hearing these words was immense, Isabel also experienced some fear. Doctors reassured her that the likelihood of a relapse was very low, but for Isabel, this closure meant both relief and emotional challenge. "I was already planning my trip for May 2025, but now I will no longer travel as the doctors have told me to consider myself cured. I still have a hard time believing it."

Isabel is deeply grateful to all the staff at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and especially to Dr. Adria Suarez Mora. “Everyone showed me empathy and dedication. They were always very kind and looking for a way to make me smile while I was going through this painful process.” 

Isabel now plans to celebrate her recovery with her entire family. In February 2025, she will embark on a Caribbean cruise, a trip that symbolizes the beginning of a new stage, not only for her but also for her four children and her husband who supported her at all times.

Isabel's fight against cancer profoundly transformed her perspective on life. Although the illness brought inevitable changes, Isabel reflects on how these changes strengthened family ties and her resilience. “We learned to value ourselves, to value life and to accept both the good and the bad,” says Isabel. 

Isabel says that her experience is a lesson in how to face life's challenges with gratitude, strength and the conviction that there is always something to be grateful for. “My life changed completely, but it did so for the better.”