Q: What happens if a women delays treatment for breast cancer?
A: When I last visited my surgeon for a checkup, he told me a story about another patient of his. He had first seen this lady in 2005 and had recommended a mastectomy after having confirmed she had breast cancer, but she did not come back for surgery. She had just visited him in April 2008 with a breast that was now painful and had developed sores. She obviously had no understanding of the disease and the need to deal with it urgently.
Q: What advice would you give to other women who may be at risk of developing breast cancer?
A: Do your physical examinations and don’t get tired of doing them and do go have your regular mammograms. The sooner you catch breast cancer, the better for you. It may just be a lump and chances are you feel perfectly OK but get it checked out and be sure. In HIV circles, they say, "Know your status." In breast cancer, it should be, "Do right by yourself." Women need to be proactive about their health and learn about different ways of dealing with cancer. Many women are ignorant about this disease, and increased awareness is needed.
Q: Did you feel that health professionals treated you well and were supportive?
A: I was quite happy with the treatment by my health professionals, although they could have taken more time in explaining issues and procedures. While I had read a lot on the subject, I still learned a lot as I was going through the treatment process. The Cancer Association has helped in filling in the gaps and enlightening me on some issues. Their support is outstanding, and they are always ready to give moral support.
Q: What gives you the strength to face this hardship in your life?
A: I only consider this a hardship because of the financial strain it has put on my family. A lot of things have had to be put on hold until I get over the treatment and recover — physically and financially. For me, this is a wake-up call. I now need to do all those things that I have always said I should do (once I am done with the treatment). So in a way, this is a blessing in disguise. Thinking about my future is giving me strength.
Breast cancer has no regard for international boundaries. As Patience told her story, I was struck by how similar our experiences are. A lump found by accident, avoidance of regular mammograms (yes, I was guilty!) and very similar treatments and side effects. Like her, I purposely began planning for my future after breast cancer diagnosis, hoping that a positive attitude would help me endure chemotherapy, and like Patience, I would urge women everywhere to do breast self-exams on a monthly basis, and don't skip your annual mammograms. Early detection means better survival, less treatment and a more healthy life ahead.
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