Hi, I'm Anna from Sweden. I survived Stage 1 breast cancer.
My cancer was discovered after I noticed a lump in one breast. I also felt a change in the shape of my breast.
After the diagnosis, I felt excluded, frightened and helpless. It made me feel insecure and overwhelmed, I felt worthless at times. Many times, I was nervous and worried. There were feelings of sadness as well, I felt empty, isolated, and powerless. There was a sense of grief as well.
I tried to exercise more, but still ended up eating unhealthy food sometimes.
I was recommended to undergo a lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, chemo, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Still, I sought a second opinion to learn about more treatment options as I didn’t trust the first oncologist.
In the end, based on my own research, and this recommendation, I went for lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Some alternative treatments I relied on included massage and nutritional supplements.
Still, I faced some unbearable side effects from my initial treatment, and had to change my treatment plan. After changing it, I felt much more relieved, a little less scared, and more motivated than before. Currently, I’m in remission, and just under hormone therapy.
I had side effects such as fatigue, cognitive symptoms and lymphedema, and managed them with self-medication, improved nutrition and some exercise. Financial difficulties added to the stress, especially with a low income. As I relied on massages and supplements for my recovery, I faced difficulties handling their high expenses.
After treatment, I made significant lifestyle changes. Now, I try to eat healthier every day. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue my usual level of exercise. However, I still did find some relief in starting lymph massages.
Right now, my only plan is to survive. I have lost all my dreams. And my job.
With my loved ones, my biggest dream is to love each other and spend time together.
It’s to die and leave my family devastated. I try to overcome it by trusting God and doing my part by exercising and eating healthy.
Now, I feel a bit less fearful. I don’t feel as overwhelmed or helpless anymore, and I feel more neutral. I still feel nervous, excluded and insecure at times, though. I do feel vulnerable at times still, as well as empty and isolated.
To those on their cancer journey, I would say, "Trust God! Give your body the best tools to be strong and fight cancer. Trust that you will be cancer-free."
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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