Hi, I’m Sylvia. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November 2022. I’ve lost my mother to lung cancer. Now, two years later, I’m in remission and just on hormone therapy.
It started when I found a lump while self-examining in the shower and got it checked. After multiple tests, I was eventually diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My doctor told me that I had a 5-year survival rate of around 24%.
I was devastated. I was frightened, and I felt helpless and overwhelmed about the whole situation. I was constantly nervous and worried. Disappointment, grief and a sense of powerlessness and vulnerability plagued me. I was just so confused how this happened and how I found myself in this situation.
I started eating healthier every day.
My treatment journey was tough. I underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy as recommended by my doctor. It was a difficult decision, leaving me feeling angry, anxious, discouraged, and scared. My cancer is in remission but I maintain it with hormone therapy.
I experienced side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, and hair loss, but I managed them through improved nutrition and prescribed medication.
After diagnosis, I made changes to my lifestyle, especially in my diet. I aimed for a healthier diet seven days a week, hoping to support my body's fight against cancer. However, after treatment, I found myself slipping back into old habits, eating an unhealthy diet three to five days a week. It's a struggle, but I'm working on it.
Since discovering I have cancer, I made an effort to spend more time with my children and to go on more family trips. I also made sure to call and text my parents much more often than before.
Family is so important to me. The birth of my second great granddaughter was what motivated me through my cancer journey. I just want my loved ones to be happy and healthy.
Moving forward, I plan to have lots of family time! It’s precious! For myself, I plan to go out more, and make the most of life!
My biggest fear throughout this journey was not getting through it. To overcome it, I went to my local cancer support center.
Now, I feel optimistic—confident, hopeful, and inspired.
To those battling cancer, I'd say: "Take each day at a time, rest when needed, it’s not a race. Talk to someone, some cancer support centres are wonderful, you meet people going through it who understand you."
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.
Click here for more information.