In a heartfelt conversation that blends vulnerability with courage, Julia Otero, a prominent journalist, shared her journey through colon cancer during a 2022 interview with Jordi Évole on the show Lo de Évole. Diagnosed in 2021, Otero opened up about the psychological and physical battles that come with such a life-altering disease.
Otero recalled the first time she learned about her diagnosis and the 11 months she spent at home, self-reflecting and becoming attuned to her body. "I needed to know, to prepare myself mentally for what was happening inside my body," she explained. For her, gaining an understanding of the medical processes involved, from the substances injected during her treatment to their effects, was crucial.
During the daunting experience of chemotherapy, she didn't hold back on the harsh realities. "The chemotherapy is poison, it's controlled poison," Otero stated. This frank admission encapsulated her view on the intense journey of cancer treatment. She further elaborated, noting, "A good oncologist is one who takes you to the brink of the abyss because the more you are on the edge, the harder you are hitting the tumor." Throughout her nine sessions of chemotherapy, Otero faced numerous physical challenges, such as mouth sores and sensitivities that made eating difficult. Moreover, she shared candidly that she lost about a third of her hair, though fortunately, it wasn't as much as she initially feared.
The psychological impact of her treatment was profound. "There are moments during chemotherapy when you think you'd rather be dead than alive," she admitted, a revelation that took Évole by surprise. Otero reflected on the difficulty of maintaining hope through the rough patches, recalling how certain weeks left her feeling despondent. Yet, she also spoke of a comforting routine: "I said ‘wait, Sunday will come.’” Otero explained that Sundays signified a turning point when she began to feel better—a psychological lifeline in her recovery.
In a reflective nature, Otero also discussed how others perceived her role as a mentor or educator about the disease. "It's an unjust exaggeration," she asserted, attempting to downplay any expectations that came with sharing her story. Despite being approached for various public appearances, she chose a quieter path, stating, "I’m nobody, just someone who has temporarily overcome the illness.”
As the conversation turned towards her health status, Otero confirmed that she is currently in remission, with a scheduled full check-up in three months. "I'm currently healthy until three months from now, when they will check me completely," she said, although she noted the looming anxiety of routine check-ups that will follow for the next five years. These check-ups are crucial for monitoring any potential tumor cells that may have traveled through her body, a sobering thought for anyone who has faced cancer.
Looking forward, she expressed her hopes for her immune system to keep her safe from any rogue cells that could pose a threat in the future. "If anything does cross those barriers and lands in another organ, I hope that organ makes it very difficult for it to settle," she said. This sentiment encapsulated her resilience and hopeful outlook amid uncertainty.
Julie Otero's journey is a testament to the complexities of battling cancer—an emotional rollercoaster where knowledge, expectation, and reality intertwine. Her openness in talking about her struggles resonates with many who have faced similar battles, encouraging them to acknowledge their feelings while instilling hope for brighter days.
