Hi, I'm Onagh from Ireland, and I'm a breast cancer survivor.
When I found a lump in my breast, I knew something was wrong. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
The diagnosis caught me by surprise that I thought I was disillusioned. Soon after, I felt frightened, worried, resentful, and grieved all at the same time. The feelings were so overwhelming and numbing that I felt worthless and vulnerable. It was so bad that I felt empty, insecure, withdrawn, and isolated.
After diagnosis, I started exercising more, and reducing my alcohol intake from 8 down to 2 drinks per week. Still, I found myself eating unhealthier some days.
My doctor came up with a treatment plan that included mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. After doing some research, I requested for a full axillary clearance, which is the removal of lymph nodes in the armpit to make sure that any residual cancer is also removed. Although I felt somewhat happier and motivated after making this decision, I was still quite anxious and scared about the treatment. Seeking a second opinion gave me more clarity on the treatment options, and thankfully I didn't need to change my treatment plan. My cancer is now in complete remission, and I no longer need any treatment.
I suffered diarrhea and hair loss due to the treatment, and the axillary clearance gave me lymphedema. I managed these side effects through increased exercise, improved nutrition, and prescribed medication. However, financial difficulties arose since I have no income.
Since treatment, I've made permanent changes to my lifestyle by exercising more and adopting a healthier diet for most of the week. I still see my parents as often as before but I also try to call them more now. I cherish the time with my children, we make more family trips now.
My biggest dreams and aspirations revolve around my friends and family. Being there for my children and guiding them through life as a mother has been the biggest motivation in my cancer journey. In the next 2 years, I plan to have weekend getaways, meeting with friends more often and family holidays abroad (like taking a trip to Rome).
Throughout this journey, I feared not being there for my children. For this reason, I’ve had counseling to try and cope.
The fear and anger since I discovered I had cancer has never gone away. I’m as frightened, as helpless, as insecure as before. I’m still worried and sad.
Take each day as it comes, don’t suffer in silence. Your healthcare providers are there to help and have your well-being at heart. Tell them how you’re doing honestly. Let yourself feel your emotions… Cry, laugh, scream. Don’t block it out.
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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