Who knew an oil massage could lead to being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer?
The diagnosis took me by surprise, and over the course of my treatment I had to endure significant side effects like hair loss, fatigue and nausea and vomiting. It was a challenging time not helped by the added financial stress, and the fear of suddenly leaving my loved ones behind.
For now, I choose to focus on the present instead of worrying too much about the future, while spending time with my loved ones.
I discovered a lump on my left breast during an oil massage. It felt suspicious, and I knew something wasn't right. My diagnosis came from my doctor – breast cancer, Stage 2. I decided to get a second opinion from a more experienced doctor.
I was overwhelmed with emotions: scared, sad, and completely surprised. It was a lot to take in, and I felt really worried about what would happen next.
The biggest change I made was focusing on my nutrition and diet. I started eating healthier every day.
I underwent the treatment plan recommended by my oncologist, which included mastectomy, lymphadenectomy, and chemotherapy. This decision was influenced by both my doctor's expertise and my own research into treatment options, seeking advice from friends and family, and consulting health websites.
During the course of treatment, I experienced significant side effects, including fatigue, hair loss, and nausea and vomiting. I didn't actively manage these side effects, which made the treatment process more challenging for me. The treatments also cost a lot of money, and that caused a lot of stress. We had to borrow money from my provident fund and even get financial help from relatives.
Looking ahead, I don't have any huge plans for myself or my family. My biggest aspiration is really simple – to live a healthy life and to be with the people I love. I want to see them happy.
My biggest fear was not knowing when my last day might be. The thought of leaving my loved ones behind terrified me.
I'm not sure if I ever really overcame that fear. I just tried to be positive and patient, believing that everything would fall into place.
It's been a while since my treatment ended. Mostly, I feel neutral. There are good days and bad days, but the intense fear isn't as present anymore. I'm focusing on the present rather than worrying too much about the future.
If there's one thing I'd tell someone going through this, it's to find the right treatment for you. Do your research, ask questions, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. And most importantly, try to stay positive. This journey is hard, but being happy and staying hopeful can make a huge difference in how you cope with the challenges.
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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