Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis

By Krisitina Davis, Aug 7, 2021 | Original San Diego Union-Tribune article here.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez speaks at a news conference in San Diego on August 29, 2019. She announced Saturday that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

The Cancer Was Caught in Its Early Stages but Will Still Require Aggressive Treatment, According to Her Husband, County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher

State Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez announced on social media Saturday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She broke the news in her characteristic plucky tone, with the tweet: “Breast Cancer: just another hater trying to kill my vibe. Not. Going. To. Happen.”

In a series of tweets, her husband, County Supervisor Chair Nathan Fletcher, said the cancer is early-stage — Stage 0 — but it is also “aggressive and hormone positive.” The stage of cancer typically refers to the size of the tumor of abnormal cells and if those cells have spread beyond the point of origin, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Fletcher wrote:

”…Given her family history, she will have to have aggressive treatment. Her Mom developed breast cancer at age 44 and died at age 62,”
“That family history and experiences makes this ordeal more difficult but it also has driven her to rigorous screenings, this early detection and the aggressive treatment ahead. She has no symptoms, feels great and plans to fulfill all her obligations to her constituents.”

Gonzalez, 49, was a labor leader and organizer before being elected in 2013. She represents District 80, which includes Chula Vista, National City and southern San Diego neighborhoods such as Otay Mesa, Barrio Logan and City Heights.

She and Fletcher live in City Heights and are raising a blended family of five children. She has risen to become a prominent progressive figure, known for her outspoken, dynamic style of politics.

Fletcher wrote:

“My wife is the strongest and most fearless person I have ever met. And that strength will guide her through the difficult days ahead,”

She is being treated by Sharp Healthcare and has spent the last few weeks “going through biopsy, MRI’s and meetings with doctors and experts to assess the situation and begin the work to design a treatment plan,” he said.

Gonzalez joins the estimated quarter-million American women who have or will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, he added. “My wife now joins their collective spirit of resilience to fight to this horrific disease and will soon proudly join the ranks of breast cancer survivors.”

He said his wife urges support for regular mammograms and the continued drive for universal healthcare “so that every person can access quality affordable healthcare.” Gonzalez is surrounded by a strong support system, he said, and he encouraged people to send their best wishes and prayers her way.

“She is our Wonder Woman and certainly knows how to fight.”

The announcement was met with a flood of supportive messages.

“Cancer will learn that it’s messed with the wrong person,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria tweeted.

Tweets from Nathan Fletcher | @nathanfletcher

Aug 7

My wife is the strongest and most fearless person I have ever met. And that strength will guide her through the difficult days ahead. We wanted to share the news that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
·

Aug 7

We have spent the last few weeks going through biopsy, MRI’s and meetings with doctors and experts to assess the situation and begin the work to design a treatment plan. But she will get through this.

Aug 7

The cancer is early (stage 0) and she a great medical team (thank you @sharphealthcare
), loving family and tremendously supportive friends.

Aug 7

But it is also aggressive and hormone positive…and given her family history, she will have to have aggressive treatment. Her Mom developed breast cancer at age 44 and died at age 62.

Aug 7

That family history and experiences makes this ordeal more difficult but it also has driven her to rigorous screenings, this early detection and the aggressive treatment ahead. She has no symptoms, feels great and plans to fulfill all her obligations to her constituents.

Aug 7

More than a quarter of a million American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. My wife now joins their collective spirit of resilience to fight to this horrific disease and will soon proudly join the ranks of breast cancer survivors.