Hi, my name is Annie, and I'm from Australia. Back in July 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Though I am still receiving treatment, I’m optimistic about what lies ahead.
My cancer journey began when I found a lump in my breast. At that time, the doctor informed me that I had a 98% 5-year survival rate.
I was worried, resentful and frightened when I received the cancer diagnosis. Apart from the overwhelming emotions, the diagnosis also left me feeling grieved, withdrawn, powerless and vulnerable.
After diagnosis, I promptly made some changes to my lifestyle, like adopting a healthier diet for the majority of the time and cutting out alcohol completely.
My doctor has recommended an extensive treatment plan to treat my cancer effectively. The plan involves lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
After doing some research on my own, I’ve decided to follow my doctor's recommendation. I’ve completed chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, but I’m still waiting to begin the other treatments. Although I was slightly relieved by the plan, it did not make me happier or more motivated.
Because of the treatment, I’m constantly tired and nauseous, and I also have diarrhea. For now, I'm managing the side effects with prescribed medication.
Since beginning treatment, I've made some permanent changes to my lifestyle. I'm eating a healthier diet more often and exercising more. Alcohol is also completely out of the picture now. Thankfully, I still manage to spend time with my children, though we aren’t able to travel as much as before.
In the next 2 years, I hope I will have completed treatment, transition back to work and social life. I want to live life to the fullest. I want to be cancer-free and be there for my children in their adult years. I just want to be happy with my loved ones.
I’m scared that I would die and leave my children behind. Counseling has helped me cope with this fear.
Now I feel courageous and hopeful about life after cancer.
Stay positive. Surround yourself with kind and caring people. Do your research about treatment plans. Connect with others on the same journey; connect with survivors. And, know you are stronger than you think. You fight with all you have and you can get through.
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.
Click here for more information.