By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
Thirty-five years after surviving her first battle with breast cancer, Dr. Olivia Rivas found herself confronting the disease again in 2026. This time, however, she faced the diagnosis with decades of experience, unwavering faith, and determination to persevere.
Rivas was first diagnosed approximately 35 years ago, shortly after completing her doctoral studies and receiving an administrative appointment at the University of Texas/Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. With a promising academic career ahead, she never expected to have to battle cancer.
“I was young, and my career was taking off,” the San Benito native recalled, explaining that she initially believed cancer affected older women, not young professionals just starting out.
Drawing on her background in counseling psychology, Rivas recognized her emotional responses as she moved through the five stages of grief identified by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Initially, she questioned why she had been diagnosed and worried about missing important family milestones, including watching her daughters marry and welcoming her grandchildren.
Eventually, acceptance brought a new perspective.
“I learned that if I understood why and what was happening to me, I could face it,” Rivas explained.
She immersed herself in researching cancer, treatment options, and support resources. Her Catholic faith, family, and confidence in her medical team were essential sources of strength.
Perhaps most importantly, Rivas discovered that undergoing a mastectomy did not diminish her sense of self.
“I learned that having a mastectomy did not define me as a woman, for I am greater than the sum of my body parts,” she shared.
Over the next 35 years, Rivas continued her academic pursuits, including postdoctoral studies at Harvard and Oxford, and taught at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She also celebrated the arrival of five grandchildren.
Her experience inspired decades of service to other cancer patients and their families. She offered pro bono counseling and donated wigs, head wraps, and books to individuals facing similar challenges.
Then, in spring 2026, breast cancer recurred.
Another mastectomy followed, along with chemotherapy and hair loss.
However, unlike her first diagnosis, Rivas said she moved directly toward acceptance.
After completing her final chemotherapy session, Rivas celebrated a deeply meaningful milestone: ringing the bell.
“I just finished my last chemotherapy treatment and ‘rang the bell!’ I am cancer-free!” Rivas proudly shared.
Adding to the moment’s significance, the same oncologist who treated her 35 years earlier accompanied her through this latest cancer journey.
Through both experiences, Rivas credits her faith, family and sense of humor for helping her persevere.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of screening, early detection, and support, Rivas’ journey offers a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.
“It has been a good path, and I continue to travel it without fear and with much gratitude.”