Surviving Breast Cancer: A Journey of Strength and Resilience
“So, this is how it ends!”
Even today this statement sends shivers down my spine.
The Oprah Show: A Lifesaving Epiphany
My brother and I were at university while Dad was at work. Mom was home alone, engrossed in an episode of Oprah. Two breast cancer survivors were sharing their stories. One of them emphasised how timely detection through self-examination had saved her life.
Mom, an Air Force wife, was always proactive about raising cancer awareness. She actively participated in breast cancer awareness programs as part of her work to support airmen families. She educated others about early detection and suitable treatment. She had always been on time for her regular self-checks.
The Winter That Changed Everything
As she watched the show, she realised it had been a few months since her last self-check. That winter was severe and the lack of central heating in India discouraged her from conducting extensive self-exams.
She resolved to do a self-check the very next day.
Discovery & Diagnosis
That brings us to the moment that changed our lives. Mom discovered a lump in her right breast. She hoped she was mistaken, but sadly, she wasn’t. A subsequent check confirmed her initial discovery.
When Dad returned home that evening, Mom shared her news with him. Dad, known for his composed nature, reassured her. He advised Mom not to worry and to follow the doctor’s guidance.
The Series of Tests
This set in motion a series of tests to confirm the nature of the lump. The tests began with a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAC), but the procedure failed twice, extracting only fat cells. To diffuse the doctors’ increasing frustration, Mom humorously quipped about her “added weight” posing a challenge.
Following the unsuccessful FNAC attempts, the oncologist opted for a biopsy. Mom was admitted to the hospital the night before the procedure. Unfortunately, a disturbance in the ward from an emergency kept Mom awake most of the night.
She awoke the following morning with a splitting headache.
Mom informed the head nurse, who assuming it was worry, reassured Mom. Mom was sent to the pre-operative room for observation and surgery.
Mom knew something wasn’t right when several surgical residents visited her to check her vitals but did not provide any updates. When the surgeon finally arrived, he asked if Mom was concerned about the surgery. Mom assured him she wasn’t worried. But her high blood pressure, visible on the monitors, revealed her underlying anxiety.
The surgery got postponed, and a new date was set. Luckily, this time the procedure went smoothly.
Waiting & Coping
Now, the critical wait for the tumour’s malignancy results began.
Throughout her treatment, our parents shielded my brother and me from the details of their discussions with the oncologist. Mom maintained that we focus on one step at a time, and not worry about the future.
I wonder if the words helped her as much as they did her two young teenage kids who were anxious about the possible cancer diagnosis and secretly scared about losing their mother.
The Cancer Diagnosis
The test results finally came back malignant.
I learned years later that after returning from the hospital, Mom and Dad sat in a nearby park, their sanctuary for sombre discussions. Mom’s first words to Dad on this discovery were: “So, this is how it ends!”
Thankfully, she was wrong. Two decades have passed, and Mom is cancer-free.
Early Detection Saves Lives
It is only thanks to her prior knowledge and regular self-examinations that we had an early detection. This led to a timely mastectomy followed by chemotherapy.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of women worldwide and has the power to change lives in an instant. In this narrative, I share the story of my family’s journey through breast cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection.
I hope that sharing this story motivates those of you reading to remember to self-examine for breast lumps, schedule regular mammograms, and spread the word about breast cancer awareness. Prioritise your health and those of your loved ones. Awareness and early detection are key and can be lifesaving.
