The incredible story of Dabrowski: he played with cancer last year

Carlos Navarro | 31 Dec 2024 | 14.43

The incredible story of Gabriela Dabrowski.

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There are stories that leave us speechless. Astonished. Playing a full season on the WTA circuit while battling breast cancer is certainly one. Gabriela Dabrowski, the third-ranked women's doubles player, shared a brutal confession on social media related to her experience on the circuit last year after being diagnosed with breast cancer in April.

Shortly after that news, the Canadian had to momentarily pause her professional activities; however, early detection and a series of surgeries allowed her to return soon after the clay court season. While recovering and dealing with the last complications from cancer, she made history: winning the bronze medal in the mixed doubles at the Olympics, reaching the Wimbledon final, and ultimately winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Her story deserves to be told by herself, recounting in detail the incredible odyssey she went through.

A HEART-WRENCHING TESTIMONY

"How can something so small cause such a big problem?

That's the question I asked myself when diagnosed with breast cancer in mid-April. I know this will be a shock to many, but I am and will be fine. Early detection saves lives, and I can attest to that.

In the spring of 2023, I felt a lump in my left breast. Months later, a doctor said not to worry. I didn't. Time passed, and in the spring of 2024, I thought the lump was a bit bigger. A WTA doctor told me he wasn't sure what it was, so I needed further tests.

First, a mammogram. Then, an ultrasound to confirm what was seen in the mammogram. Thirdly... a call from the radiologist describing the images, alerting to a lump that didn't look like a cyst because of its irregular shape. "It doesn't look good, and I want you to have a biopsy immediately."

The next day, I had a biopsy on my left breast. The preliminary results came in that same day: cancer. Those are the words you never want to hear, and in an instant, your life takes a turn.

Now fast-forward through two surgeries, recovery, rehabilitation, a slight delay in treatments to compete at Wimbledon and the Olympics, radiation therapy and fatigue (during Toronto and the US Open), starting endocrine therapy, ending the season on the best note possible... it all seems surreal.

Why do I share my story now? For a long time, I didn't feel ready to expose myself to the general public and potential questions. I wanted to process everything and handle it privately, only informing those closest to me. There were many unknowns, others we had to learn on the go. Today, I'm at a point where I know more about my treatment, its side effects, and how to deal with them. I am aware of how lucky I am because many don’t have the luxury of sharing their stories.

Over time, I began to realize I was part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to share posts on the importance of early detection, food and lifestyle habits, experts to learn from... that feeling of wanting to positively impact others was the start of this post.

The first thing I saw when I went for my first mammogram was a sign saying that almost 100% of breast cancer can be survived. My intentions in sharing these experiences are to emphasize the quality of life one can maintain when cancer is detected early, when you have access to highly talented and dedicated doctors, take care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually, and surround yourself with truly caring people.

Often, things happen to us that we have no control over. They're not fair. The only thing we can do is choose how we react. It sounds like a cliché, but it's true. My diagnosis gave me the chance to see those obstacles through different lenses: lenses of gratitude.

If you've seen me smile more on the court in the last six months, it was genuine. It hasn't always been like that. Beyond working on improving my attitude through therapy for years, my cancer diagnosis was the turning point for a much bigger change. When the threat of losing everything you've worked for all your life became real, that was when I truly began to appreciate what I have. Loving parents and friends, incredible coaches, a doubles partner who stood by my side, forming a real team.

My attitude shifted from "I have to do this" to "I choose to do this." Through this perspective, it's much easier for me to find joy in areas of life that I used to see as burdensome. To cancer, I say screw you, but also... thank you".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La increíble historia de Dabrowski: jugó con cáncer el año pasado