My name is Michi, and this is about my experience.
When I confided in a friend about the pain in my chest lately, she urged me to see her private doctor for an assessment.
I had my suspicions, and a visit to the doctor confirmed that it was stage 0 breast cancer.
At that time, diagnosis made me feel helpless.
As of late 2023, it has been more than a year since I was diagnosed. I have completed treatment and am no longer taking medication.
I am now living free of cancer.
There was a lump on my left breast and it was painful to touch.
Even though I did not experience any other symptoms, I knew that soreness was one of the more well-known symptoms of breast cancer, and that information made me take my situation seriously.
When I shared my concern with a friend who had a similar experience, she advised me that it was best to immediately visit a breast care specialist just like she did. I heeded her advice and discovered that I had breast cancer.
I felt helpless when I received my diagnosis. I thought of my 3-year-old daughter: "How could I leave her at such a young age?"
The first few weeks that followed after diagnosis were filled with worry and sadness.
After taking some time to slowly accept my condition, I began to feel a bit more optimistic and hopeful. I was thankful that the cancer was discovered in its early stages.
I did not make any changes to my lifestyle after my diagnosis.
I have completed treatment for cancer and I do not require medication anymore.
To treat Stage 0 breast cancer, I was advised that only surgery was needed. The different types of surgery options were explained to me, which eased my anxiety. A lumpectomy surgery was deemed suitable, which is also known as breast-conserving surgery.
After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt more motivated and hopeful about my treatment journey.
I didn't experience any side effects from the surgery.
After some time of bedrest as part of my post-surgery recovery, I maintained my usual routine of exercise and regular diet without making any significant changes. I took my time to recover and I did not push myself too hard.
Now, having gone through treatment and started life post-cancer, I feel optimistic.
I'm glad that I trusted my instincts and sought out a medical assessment as soon as possible. I am thankful for the support and reassurance of my friends while I went through the harrowing experience of having cancer.
Even though I worry about relapse, I feel hopeful about my future.
My biggest fear is relapse of cancer. This fear is always at the back of my mind since I have a young child who would have to grow up without her mother if I am not around.
However, I try not to think about it since it's beyond my control. Now I strive to live my life to the fullest every day! I want to be present in the moment, for both my sake and the sake of my family.
Think positively and believe in the professionalism of doctors!
You can seek a different doctor if you want a second opinion on your diagnosis. Do not be afraid of the mention of “surgery” and confide in your doctor about the fears that you have. Having a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with would make the treatment journey less overwhelming.
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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