A beauty queen has revealed the devastating news that she has cancer.
Maxine Silva took part in Miss Brazil 2015 representing her home state Acre, which is located in the Amazon jungle.
Now a social media influencer, she took to Instagram on Wednesday (1 May) to announce her diagnosis.
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Maxine, 29, wrote to her 109,000 followers: “29/04/24 – my first chemotherapy session. Exactly 10 days after discovering I had lymphoma.
“It involved several tests, days of waiting between one result and another.
“Distress, nervousness in sharing something so difficult with the people I love, and that ever-present desire to live life to the fullest until the final result: Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“And just like that, life changes.”
Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body and is part of the immune system.
Hodgkin lymphoma mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75, as reported on Need to Know.
Maxine, from Rio Branco, is confident she will beat the disease.
She wrote: “I knew my new phase would require courage, and I must admit, I’m proud of myself.
“Life has never been easy, I’ve overcome so much already, and I’m sure this will just be another victory in my book of achievements.”
Around eight out of 10 people with Hodgkin lymphoma live at least five years, according to the NHS, and most will be cured.
The former Miss Acre believes her faith in God will help her in her battle against the disease.
She wrote: “I see no other way out but healing.
“I don’t see anything negative, just God working, using those close to me, giving me vitality despite the treatment, and an increasing desire to live.
“I’m aware that I’m fighting a battle, but I’m absolutely certain of victory. And what would that be if not God?”
Maxine uses her Instagram to show off her travels, tattoos, healthy lifestyle, and sporting prowess.
She wrote: “Bring it on, healing, I’m ready to welcome you with open arms.”
Her followers have flooded her with messages wishing her a speedy recovery.
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