Facing the Unthinkable: My Raw and Real Story of Battling Breast Cancer
A Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises, yet nothing could have prepared me for the news I received that Monday afternoon – June 2022.. About a week had passed since my biopsy, a time filled with growing apprehension about the results. That afternoon, my fears were realized: the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis I had dreaded – I was facing Breast Cancer, specifically Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
The Diagnosis
My discovery of the lump wasn’t during a regular checkup, which is commonly how these things come to light. Despite having no family history of the disease and being conscientious about my health screenings, I wasn’t overly concerned at first upon finding the lump.
In September 2021, I underwent a breast mammogram and received reassuring news of an all-clear result. However, in May 2022, I discovered a lump and, as a precaution, consulted my doctor. To ensure thoroughness and confirm the previous findings, my doctor recommended that I undergo another mammogram.
The revelation of my diagnosis unfolded quite impersonally; my results were uploaded to an online portal without a preliminary call from the doctor. As I opened the portal and read the results while on the phone with a close friend, the words “Invasive Ductal Carcinoma” leaped out at me.
Overwhelmed, I broke down in tears, sharing the shocking news with her. My mind was immediately flooded with questions – Why me? How could this happen? Countless thoughts swirled around in my head, yet there were no immediate answers to quell the whirlwind of confusion and fear.
The Emotional Whirlwind
The weeks following my diagnosis passed in a haze. Breaking the news to my adult children, family, and friends was heart-wrenching. I found myself caught in a cycle of denial, anger, fear, and an acute sense of helplessness.Sleepless nights were filled with internet research and worst-case scenarios. I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Compounding the stress of my diagnosis was the disintegration of my 33-year marriage. Amidst this turmoil, our family home was listed for sale, and I was packing and preparing to move out, in just a few short weeks.
Choosing to Fight
Amidst this chaos, a resolve began to take shape. This was my life, my body, and I wasn’t going to let cancer take the wheel. I decided to fight. It wasn’t an epiphany or a moment of heroism – it was a quiet decision, made in the lonely hours of the early morning. “ This was not going to take me down”
The Treatment Journey
My treatment Journey was aggressive and long : surgery, followed by chemotherapy , more surgery then radiation – followed by Targeted Therapy which also made me very sick. Each step had its challenges.
Trips to the hospital 4- 5 times a week. Post-surgery, I struggled with pain and the loss of a part of me. Chemotherapy was a monster of its own. The nausea, fatigue, loss of taste and hair loss were brutal. But the hardest part was looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back.
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Navigating the Unpredictability
It’s crucial to understand that cancer, particularly breast cancer, is a complex and unpredictable illness. Facing this diagnosis was emotionally taxing and overwhelming.
I had to keep on reminding myself that Cancer doesn’t discriminate and isn’t a consequence of my actions or inactions. It’s a disease that can impact anyone, irrespective of lifestyle or choices. Self-blame is counterproductive.
Instead, I focused on seeking out the best medical treatment, sought emotional support, and practised self-care for a journey marked by both resilience and strength.
I ensured that I had all the emotional and psychological support I needed, knowing that it is as vital as physical care, in coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Finding Support
During my most challenging times, I found solace in the most unexpected places. A local support group became a sanctuary for me. Interacting with other women, each grappling with their own struggles, provided me with newfound courage.
Our shared experiences, encompassing laughter, tears, and advice, fostered a silent bond of solidarity. Additionally, the unwavering support from my family and friends was invaluable. They accompanied me to medical appointments, stayed in constant touch, some even travelled from overseas to be by my side during appointments and chemotherapy sessions, and offered countless other forms of support.
Faith and my Journey.
When i initially received my Cancer Diagnosis, I was angry – Angry with Life and Angry with God. My feelings changed when the treatment began – in fact it was my faith that became my beacon of hope and strength during very dark days.
In the face of fear, uncertainty, and the physical and emotional toll of weeks and weeks of hospital appointments and treatments, it was my faith that provided me with a sense of peace and resilience.
Through my faith, I found the courage to face each day, embracing both the hardships and the triumphs with grace and gratitude.
My faith gave me a perspective that transformed my battle with Breast Cancer into a journey of spiritual growth and deeper understanding.
My faith was not just a source of personal comfort; it connected me to a community of support, I found a new church, Joined a Connect Group, where our shared beliefs and prayers uplifted me during the most trying times. They often reached out to me and kept me in their prayers when i was unable to attend meetings or church because, i was too ill.
This journey did not only test but also strengthened my faith, making me more compassionate, empathetic, and appreciative of the preciousness of life.”Life is truly fragile”.
It taught me to find solace in prayer and comfort in the belief that I was not alone in my struggle.
Embracing Vulnerability
I learned to embrace my vulnerability. I started writing a blog to document my journey, connecting with others across the globe. Their messages of support and shared experiences became a lifeline. I realized that my story, raw and unfiltered, could offer hope to others.
The Transformation
This journey transformed me. The physical changes were evident, but the internal transformation was profound. I found a resilience I didn’t know I had. I learned to appreciate the small joys – a sunny day, a good book, the laughter of my family and friends.
In the face of adversity, I discovered a resilience deep within myself that I never knew I had. .
Welcome to my Journey
