During a mammogram, a large lump was discovered in my breast and I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, with a 80-90% 5-year survival rate. I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy with docetaxel.
I found out I had cancer in January 2024, after a mammogram. Out of all the appointments I had for my health issues, the mammogram was scheduled last and far in advance. But, when I told my doctor that my left breast becomes empty when my 2-year-old baby breastfeeds and asked why my milk hasn't depleted, my mammogram appointment on HealthHub was suddenly moved up to a few days later.
After the mammogram, it was revealed that I had a big lump in my breast, 4.5 cm to be exact, and 3 affected lymph nodes. The final diagnosis was stage 3 breast cancer. Subsequently, I was informed by the doctor that my 5-year survival rate was 80-90%.
Finding out that I had cancer left me with a mix of emotions. I felt fearful, helpless, nervous, worried and worthless, whilst struggling with disappointment and grief too. These feelings were compounded by the fact that I’d lost two aunts to cancer too.
The news also took me by surprise; I didn’t know what to do as I had zero knowledge about it.
Post-diagnosis, I adjusted my lifestyle habits such that I exercise less regularly and eat a healthier diet 3 to 5 days of the week.
My doctor’s recommended treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. However, the type of surgery hasn’t been decided yet, but will be once we meet the surgeon in April (2024).
After deciding on this treatment plan, I felt happy, but anxious, discouraged and scared at the same time.
As of now, I’m receiving chemotherapy, specifically docetaxel, as per my doctor’s recommendations.
Chemotherapy comes with its side effects, and I particularly struggled with diarrhea, fatigue and hand and foot syndrome. Taking prescribed medication helped to alleviate the discomfort.
Cancer treatment also impacted me financially, and I struggled to afford certain expenses like food and taxi travels, especially my kids’ food.
Over the course of treatment, I’ve continued eating a healthier diet 3 to 5 days of the week. Apart from that, I haven’t made any other lifestyle adjustments.
Another part of my life that's changed since my cancer diagnosis is my relationships with my loved ones. Since finding out I have cancer, I talk to my parents less often over the phone, and my sexual relationship with my partner has dwindled. On the other hand, my relationship with my kids has grown stronger; we spend more time together now and we go on more family trips.
In terms of my plans for the next few years, I wish to continue my healthy lifestyle and frequent enrichment. I’m focusing on my self-care and taking care of my children and home. I’d also like to travel overseas to New Zealand and New York with my family.
I have big dreams to be part of a big company career advancement through the digital world. As for my family and loved ones, I just want to make their wishes and dreams come true.
This illness is unpredictable. We'll never know when we will live or die, and this is my biggest fear. To cope with this, I’m just following the treatment and doing whatever we can do to fight the battle.
More than a year has passed since I found out I had cancer, and now, I still feel sad at times but optimistic. I have a sense of confidence, inspiration and hope for myself.
Do not lose hope and we don't need to waste time as we can still make our dreams come true even for a short time. Have faith that God will not forsake us. Our family and loved ones are fighting for us so we need to give our very best even for tough times. I love them and we'll never give up easily. My children needed me especially. I have one child with special needs. God will make my dreams come true. To my mom and papa in the Philippines, see you soon.
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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