My name is Laura, and this is my journey as a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2020.
I felt a sharp stabbing pain in my right breast. I also had some discharge which I hadn’t paid attention to before.
My life totally changed, from a hectic life to one almost without rest, to a life about taking care of me, being more understanding of me, understanding myself more, being more aware of my emotions, handling them better, handling stress better, being more tolerant and kinder to myself and to people.
I completely eliminated alcohol from my life, committed to a healthier diet, and increased how often I exercised.
There was a strong sense of uncertainty, the fear of dying, and the fear of not knowing what the treatment was like and what I was going to feel.
I felt excluded at times, as well as helpless and overwhelmed. It made me feel insecure, nervous and frightened. Still, I was skeptical and disillusioned with the news at the start, and infuriated that this was happening. I was also sad, feeling disappointment and remorse.
I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, as well as extract 3 lymph nodes. I had chemotherapy, and the tumor shrunk after this. I also had radiation therapy and hormone therapy. I trusted my doctors, and followed their recommendations. Now, everything is free of malignant cells.
After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt remarkably happy, relieved, motivated, and hopeful.
I was declared cancer-free on December 24, 2020.
The side effects were challenging, to say the least. I faced fatigue, nausea and vomiting. I also faced menopause symptoms, joint pain, temperature fluctuations (hot flashes), fatty liver disease, vertigo (dizziness), and depression. I managed them by improving my nutrition and exercising more often.
Throughout this journey, I also faced financial difficulties, particularly because I was not re-employed after starting my treatment.
I continued cutting out alcohol, as well as my previous improvements to my diet and exercise. I talk to my family a little more often nowadays.
I don’t have many plans, but I’m in the process of rebuilding my life and career plans.
I feel my dreams and desires have changed since the diagnosis and I am rethinking what I wanted. I would like to build a home and have a partner.
My biggest fear was not knowing if I was going to recover and what my life was going to be like.
To help myself deal with this, I try to focus on finding myself, discovering what I want and what I like.
Now, looking back and reflecting on where I am today, I feel optimistic. I feel much more courageous, hopeful and inspired. I feel thankful for where I am today.
To others, I would say this: "Cancer comes into our lives to teach us many things and to change everything around us and within us. It is up to us to take the best from this wonderful and unique life experience, and turn it into a strength, the best thing that has happened to us. Go forward with faith and love!!!"
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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