Cleveland Mother Overcomes Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Battle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/india-robinson-030325-1-7d3d1aef1388427fa0ae4f13a1f1743b.jpg)
India Robinson, a 43-year-old mother of three from Cleveland, faced a challenging journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic. Despite undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, she developed lymphedema, which posed additional hurdles in her path to recovery. However, after a successful surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, India is now embracing life on her own terms. She recently sat down with PEOPLE’s Wendy Grossman Kantor to share her inspiring story.
India’s journey began with a shocking breast cancer diagnosis in July 2022. Having skipped her mammogram due to pandemic concerns, she received a call urging her to undergo further testing. Subsequent biopsies confirmed her worst fears – stage 3 cancer. Despite not having a family history or feeling any lumps, India’s body was showing signs of the disease through unusual symptoms like breast drainage, which she initially attributed to other causes.
Following surgery to remove the tumor in November 2022, India faced a rigorous treatment plan involving chemotherapy, lymph node removal, and radiation. The aggressive nature of her cancer meant she had to prepare for significant challenges ahead, including the possibility of developing lymphedema. With the support of her friend, Keneifa Davis, who was also battling breast cancer, India navigated through the grueling treatment process, leaning on each other for strength and encouragement.
As India’s treatment progressed, she encountered a new setback in the form of lymphedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the arms causing pain and swelling. Despite undergoing massages and therapy to alleviate the symptoms, the condition persisted, impacting her daily life. Recognizing the need for a more advanced approach, India opted for surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in July 2024, where doctors used innovative techniques to rebuild her lymphatic system, providing much-needed relief and restoring her quality of life.
The transformative surgery not only alleviated India’s physical discomfort but also brought unexpected joy as she found an engagement ring while undergoing chemotherapy. The delay in proposing by her partner, Anthony Robinson, due to her cancer diagnosis, led to a heartfelt wedding ceremony in April 2024, dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Through her journey, India emerged stronger, advocating for cancer survivors and embracing a newfound appreciation for self-care and personal fulfilment.
India’s message to other women facing cancer is one of hope and resilience. She encourages survivors to embrace their journey, acknowledging that the experience may change them but also empower them to live authentically. By sharing her story and celebrating life’s moments, like incorporating balloons into her wedding ceremony, India exemplifies the courage and strength needed to overcome adversity and find joy in the midst of challenges.
Through her unwavering spirit and determination, India Robinson serves as an inspiration to all those fighting their battles, reminding them that there is life after cancer and that every obstacle can be overcome with courage, support, and a positive outlook. Her story resonates with anyone facing adversity, offering a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.