In December 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after finding a lump in my breast and noticing changes in my nipple while showering.
My treatment journey began with high-dose chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy and radiation therapy. Subsequently, I underwent breast reconstruction surgery and am now on hormone therapy.
When I was showering, I noticed a lump in my left breast. I then looked at myself in the mirror and noticed that my nipple was retracted in one part. When I tried to push it out, I felt something inside that was stronger and caused it to retract again.
I went to my EPS (health insurance provider), where the general practitioner referred me to a mastologist. As the process was taking too long, I went to a non-profit organization, where I received priority care. They performed a biopsy, and on December 19, 2019, I was told that I had stage 2 breast cancer.
My emotions at diagnosis revolved around anger, fear and sadness. I was nervous, overwhelmed and worried, but furious and resentful at the same time. I felt grief-stricken, powerless and vulnerable too.
Post-diagnosis, I changed up my lifestyle by exercising a lot more regularly and eating a healthier diet some days of the week.
Immediately after my diagnosis, I was referred to an oncologist and mastologist, who decided to start my treatment with high-toxicity chemotherapy.
These medications were administered every 21 days for approximately 4 months, starting on January 27, 2020
- Dexamethasone
- Doxorubicin
- Cyclophosphamide
- Ondansetron
Then, I received 12 sessions of a chemotherapy combination called white chemotherapy every 14 days.
- Diphenhydramine
- Paclitaxel
- Ondansetron
- Dexamethasone
This treatment lasted until March 23, 2021.
I was also given fosaprepitan.
- Afterwards, the mastologist decided to perform a total radical mastectomy on May 15, 2021.
- Then, I was sent for radiotherapy (15 sessions) from August 26, 2021 to September 16, 2021.
Almost a year later, I changed EPS (health insurance provider), and the new mastologist decided it was time to
- undergo breast reconstruction using skin flap from my abdomen on October 6, 2022, all of this amidst the pandemic.
- I was prescribed tamoxifen, which I took for 2 years.
However, I experienced health issues, so it was changed to anastrozole, which I have been taking for approximately 6 months now.
After deciding on my treatment plans, I felt happy, relieved, motivated, and hopeful.
I struggled with hair loss, loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting as a result of the treatment I underwent. I managed these side effects by improving my nutrition.
After starting treatment, I continued to exercise more frequently than I used to.
Apart from my lifestyle, having cancer has also had an impact on my relationships with my loved ones in a multitude of ways. My relationship with my parents has grown stronger, in that we talk over the phone and visit each other more often. I’m also hanging out and spending more time with my 3 kids.
My plans with my loved ones are to travel, make the most of each day, speak openly and honestly with them to get to know each other better, express our love for each other, discuss all topics more openly, and engage in prayer regularly. As for myself, I plan to travel, love and be happy.
My dreams are to become a successful entrepreneur and gain recognition as a survivor. My greatest motivation was realizing that I could lose my life at any moment, and there would be nothing I could do about it, so I lived ONE DAY AT A TIME. After overcoming cancer, you become unstoppable, capable of achieving anything.
As for my aspirations for my loved ones, I want to see my little daughter grow and to see my beloved grandchildren. To share life with them, to be present in their moments is important to me.
My biggest fear was not making it alive to the end of the journey, especially since I saw how several companions were left behind along the way. But that’s how it is. To cope with this, I sought psychological and spiritual help. Also, the great support of my family gives me strength.
Years have passed since I was first diagnosed with cancer, and now I’m feeling optimistic. I am confident, courageous, hopeful, inspired and thankful.
To you, fellow companions on this journey, I'm leaving this phrase:
"NOTHING IS FOREVER." Love each other greatly because this process is about acceptance and love. Take it in the best way possible and let everything flow. When you accept and don't fight, the journey becomes more bearable.
Remember that when you travel, you always want to be as comfortable as possible because it's several hours of travel. And then when you reach the end of the journey, you're grateful for what you went through to get here. I hug you virtually and from afar.”
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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