I went to the doctor for a neck issue in 2022, and they found a lump in my breast during the exam.
A biopsy confirmed it was stage 1 breast cancer. I’ve lost my dad, aunt and uncle to cancer too.
Treatment-wise, I opted for surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, trusting my doctor's recommendations. I’ve completed active treatment, but am still on hormone therapy.
I was at a doctor's appointment for an unrelated neck issue. The doctor was doing trigger point injections and she felt a lump 4 cm above my left nipple.
I had just had a mammogram 3 months prior, so I wasn’t worried. However, I have dense breasts and the mammogram did not detect my tumor.
I had an ultrasound and then a biopsy, and the biopsy results revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma. It was stage 1 breast cancer, and my doctor informed me that I had a 98% 5-year survival rate.
Finding out that I had cancer left me overwhelmingly fearful and sad. Feelings of worry, disappointment, grief and vulnerability consumed me. The news took me by surprise too, and I was shocked and perplexed.
Post-diagnosis, I didn’t make any adjustments to my lifestyle.
My oncologist recommended the following treatment options:
- breast-conserving survey (lumpectomy)
- surgery for the removal of 2 lymph nodes via sentinel lymph node biopsy
- radiation therapy
- hormone therapy with a drug called letrozole, which is an aromatase inhibitor
I went through with this treatment plan, trusting in my doctor’s recommendations. I’ve completed active treatment, and am currently on hormone therapy.
Deciding on the course of my treatment made me feel a little motivated and hopeful.
Over the course of treatment, I struggled with anxiety and bone and muscle pain. To cope with these side effects, I took up more regular exercise.
Cancer treatment also impacted me financially, as the side effects I suffered from as a result of medication left me unable to work.
The one lifestyle adjustment I made since starting treatment was to incorporate more frequent exercise into my routine.
However, other aspects of my life that changed since my cancer diagnosis are my relationships with my loved ones. I talk more frequently to my parents over the phone and visit them more often now. In contrast, I’m no longer as intimate with my partner.
For the next few years, I have one to two yearly trips planned with my family. I’m also planning on three to four annual trips for myself.
To me, fitness and family is everything! So, my dreams and aspirations revolve around my fitness goals and travel plans. I work out every day, and I travel to see my Mom and family and with my kids. I yearn to spend quality time with them, enjoying sports, travel and dinners. These goals have motivated me not to procrastinate.
My biggest fears throughout this journey revolve around two burning questions: Am I going to have a recurrence? When am I gonna die from this?
To cope with these thoughts, I just keep working out, eat healthy meals, and give myself positive affirmations, like ‘I am lucky. Great things happen to me.’
More than a year has passed since I found out I had cancer, and now, I’m optimistic. I feel a sense of confidence, inspiration and hope for myself.
Celebrate small victories. Hug those that are close. Appreciate what you already have. Work out hard and every day! Surround yourself with things that make you smile: fresh flowers, yummy food, nice clothes, etc.
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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