- Secretary
- Management
I was 48 years old married with 2 children age 19 years and 18 years when in December 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer (left side). I discovered that my left breast was enlarged in size. I felt something hard on the top portion of the breast. So I decided to see my doctor immediately. He gave me a referral letter to immediately see a surgeon. I immediately went to the hospital in the same day, which was breast cancer clinic day. The specialist did a biopsy and the following week I was confirmed it was cancer. The whole world crashed in me. The word CA itself was a fright. I thought it was the end of the world. The Doctor advised me to decide whether to remove the lump or the whole breast. I was depressed and worried that I would be a handicap. My husband who was supportive advised me to remove the whole breast. So a breast mastectomy was done in early January 2004.
Soon after the operation, I came out of surgery with full confidence and willingly prepared myself chemotherapy. I completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy (every 2 weeks once). I lost my hair completely, hair was dropping by the clumps! It was an eerie feeling when holding a clump of hair after each head bath! I was vomiting and had no appetite to eat more to that there were ulcer in my mouth, could not even swallow water! I had even stopped menstruating after the first cycle. I decided to shave my head as hair was scanty (you could count the strands). I felt more confident after shaving. I had to eat well to maintain my stamina in order not to loose appetite during chemotherapy.
Upon completion of chemotherapy, I was given 15 rounds of radiotherapy. Which ended in August 2004. I was following up periodically with the oncologist. I had to take a hormone tablet (Tamoxifen) for 5 years. Well life had to go on. I went back to office and assured by boss that I could resume working as before. I lead a normal working life doing my normal household chores as well.
In 2011, the seventh year during the periodical mammogram, the doctor discovered some formation of tissues on the right breast. An ultrasound was done and confirmed the black spots. A biopsy was done and the result was positive. Since the tissue was just forming, the Doctor advised that an operation to just remove the tissues can be performed. So in March 2011, I had prepared myself for the operation. Just before the operation, an ultra sound was done to mark the incision for the surgeon, another small lump was discovered near the nipple.
My husband and I had to decide immediately whether to carry on with the operation or do another breast mastectomy. Within 30 minutes, we decided to do the breast mastectomy. I knew I was in good hands of the doctors, so I confidently went through the whole process positively.
I was given another 6 cycles of chemotheraphy – and of course the same symptoms – lost my hair completely for the second time, nausea, loss of appetite, ulcers in my mouth as well as lost my taste buds (I could not get any taste of food for about 9 months). I went through radiotherapy for 15 days. On hormone therapy now. I went back to work after 1 year of rest.
From my experience, I have learned to be more brave and I wish to advise that confidence and a positive attitude together with treatment can overcome any kind of sickness. I am proud to be SURVIVOR! Well life has to go on! Being together with the PINK CHAMPS we will walk through with honour and dignity and continue holding our hands together!!!