Mega Doctor News
Crystal Denise Salazar never thought a sharp pain in her abdomen would change her life. At just 29 years old, living in Laredo, Texas, she had felt discomfort before but brushed it off as routine menstrual cramps—something normal, something manageable. But when the pain became unbearable, she decided to go to the emergency room. That decision marked the beginning of a journey she never expected.
A PET scan revealed something shocking: a mass on her right ovary. Salazar’s mind raced, but she knew she had to face it. Cancer wasn’t entirely new to her family—her mother battled endometrial cancer at 52, and her sister fought kidney cancer at 44. Even so, genetic testing didn’t show any inherited mutations, which brought a bit of relief. Still, the uncertainty was daunting.
She was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Carlos Herrera, a gynecologic oncologist at DHR Health, to remove the ovary and the mass. Salazar was anxious but hopeful that this would be a straightforward procedure.
However, once in the operating room, things took an unexpected turn. Herrera discovered another mass—this time on Salazar’s colon. What was supposed to be a single surgery became much more complicated. To move forward, they needed a colorectal surgeon on the spot, but none were immediately available. Just when it seemed uncertain, Dr. Victor Haddad, a general surgeon at DHR Health, happened to be nearby and stepped in.
“Dr. Haddad was my angel that day,” Salazar recalled. “Hearing how no one else was available and that he just jumped in to help, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Together, Herrera and Haddad performed the surgery. They removed the mass on the colon, cut a section of the colon, and put it back together. The surgery also involved removing part of Salazar’s intestine. The diagnosis that followed was stage four colon cancer.
Suddenly, Salazar was navigating a world filled with oncology appointments, chemotherapy plans, and the heavy reality of a cancer diagnosis. She began treatment under the care of Dr. Jose Cruz, a medical oncologist and hematologist at the DHR Health Oncology Institute. Chemotherapy became part of her routine—she underwent treatment for about a year and a half. In August 2023, she was able to take a break from chemo for six months, before starting again in July. Now 32, Salazar remains committed to her treatment plan and continues to fight every day. Looking back, Salazar admits she never thought cancer could happen to her—especially at such a young age.
“You just don’t think it’ll be you,” Salazar said. “I thought I was too young, and I ignored some of the signs. I just want people to know that no one is too young, and no symptom is too small to take seriously. Early detection saves lives. It’s okay not to be okay—just don’t give up. As Dory from Disney says, ‘Just keep swimming.’”
Cruz also stresses the importance of being proactive when it comes to health. “We are seeing more young people being diagnosed with cancers that were traditionally associated with older adults. It’s so important for individuals to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, and no symptom should be overlooked.”
For those seeking support or more information, the DHR Health Oncology Institute is located at 2717 Michelangelo Drive in Edinburg. They offer comprehensive care for a wide range of cancers, including those of the female and male reproductive systems, blood, breast, prostate, colon, lung, brain, and testicular cancer. Our approach combines physical and emotional support with advanced treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, infusion, and more. Taking that first step could make all the difference. For more information on oncology services at DHR Health, call (956) 362-2250.
