I was in my mid-30s when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer.
I discovered a redness that was spreading across my right breast. At that time, the doctor who diagnosed me informed me that my 5-year survival rate was 80%.
To say I was fearful and surprised doesn’t begin to describe how I felt. The diagnosis had me feeling frightened and helpless, and I was nervous, worried, yet I was also disillusioned.
While I used to enjoy having a few drinks a week, I cut back on my alcohol intake and tried to eat more nutritious meals more regularly.
My treatment journey hasn’t been straightforward, and has evolved over time.
At first my doctor recommended a mastectomy along with chemotherapy.
After doing my own research, and also considering what my doctor advised, I opted for
- Mastectomy
- Lymphadenectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
After we decided on this treatment plan, I was a little angry and discouraged, and also anxious and scared. At some point, I had to change my treatment plan because it wasn’t working effectively.
After a bit of research on my own, I am receiving just radiation therapy for my cancer treatment. I’m still a bit anxious, but I’m more hopeful about the treatment now. I’m also taking nutritional supplements to support my treatment.
The radiation therapy is not without its side effects; I’m experiencing fatigue, hair loss and I have no appetite. Eating more nutritious meals and self-medicating are ways for me to cope with these side effects.
Since being diagnosed, I’ve maintained my change in diet, and eat healthily on a daily basis. I also contact my parents more often now.
Some of the things I look forward to after completing my radiation therapy include going back to work and teaching the kids at my school again. They wrote me get-well-soon cards, which really motivated me.
I’m also going to see Taylor Swift live with my nieces, and I plan to help my nieces prepare for college too.
Initially, I was afraid that the cancer would spread. Chemo fog and side effects from radiation therapy was also a cause of fear, but my oncologists referred me to a therapist who specializes in cancer patients, and she helped me cope with this fear.
After the initial fear and surprise, I am more optimistic and hopeful these days.
Treatment is tough, but be thankful for other things in life like your family and your job.
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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