I couldn't have chosen a better moment than today (the start of PINK OCTOBER MONTH) to share my little story and help increase breast awareness.
18th May
A few months ago, I discovered a big lump near my nipple. After a visit to the hospital, they discovered it was 4 cm. The doctor also found a 1 cm cyst in the other breast. I was lying down shedding tears, a bucket load. I was devasted because of the unknown.
For context, on my dad's side, my grandmother died of breast cancer. On my mom's side, some family members had cysts. At this moment, my world stopped and my mind did a 360 - it could be either/or.
10th June
3 weeks later I met with an oncologist. But in the weeks leading to this consultation, I've searched online "How to know if a lump is cancerous?" - the biggest mistake ever. I also watched countless videos on TikTok - please don't. I was constantly battling with negative thoughts. In parallel, I was keeping a smile at work and with friends. I felt like a pressure cooker - sooner or later I could burst.
The mental warship I experienced during this waiting season was the biggest nightmare I wish to no one.
11th June
On that day, I had a semi-relief. I was set to have a biopsy which meant I was closer to a closure. For the first time in my life, I was about to undergo a minor surgical procedure. I watched the ceiling praying to god to help me. I had put my entire trust in him. The surgeon and the two other people present (might be an anesthesiologist and a medical student) were so kind and reassuring.
After the intervention, the surgeon was optimistic. He told me that if the lumps were cancerous there would have been blood tissues. He also told me that if within a week I didn't receive a phone call, that meant good news. My heart skipped a beat. I breathed out, thanking god.
But, I acted like Thomas in the bible. I had to see the results to believe it. I was self inflicting stress because my hormones and emotions were out of control.
Tik Tock, another round of waiting meant another round of anxiety, fear and stress. It felt like being in a tornado.
The only person who knew was my mom, my grandma and my bosses. Thank you for your unwavering support.
28th June
Ecography appointment.
15th July
A month later, we got good news. There was no trace of cancer. What a relief! The tornado that built a home in my mind since May lost its strength. But, it left some damage along the way. A loss of motivation. I was mentally drained.
12th August
Last medical review but, the start of a new medical routine for my well-being.
Prevention is better than cure
I'm sharing my experience to encourage you to take the first step towards your health. Sometimes we think it only happens to others. But, it can hit close to home.
Women can suffer from Breast Cancer (the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women), Cervical Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer and so forth.
Make sure you do self-palpations, regular screenings such as mammograms for breast cancer and Pap tests for cervical cancer.
Yes, it can be scary because the unknown is always scary. But, these health check-ups can make a whole difference.
This experience showed me that I take things for granted. Throughout these months I've realised that health is WEALTH. When you feel that your health is slipping away, your whole world turns upside down. I'm happy I went through this season of my life. I’ve learnt so much about my health and being.
At 30, after this storm, I see life differently!
Comentarios