My mother and her journey with breast cancer
To those encountering similar challenges, yes, this is for you
The lessons on breast cancer awareness during my middle school years remain vivid, revealing the insidious nature of this disease. Little did I imagine that these teachings would hit home when my mother received a breast cancer diagnosis.
The early signs and first diagnose
The events unfolded in the midst of 2022, a mere year ago, yet it seems like a distant memory already. However, this narrative extends well before that point — a story of ongoing discomfort centered around her breasts, coupled with the appearance of a lump. Opting for alternative treatments had become her routine, each treatment carrying a heavy price tag. Despite the effort, the pain remains, a constant presence. The turning point came a few months after the Eid celebrations in May 2022. It was then that she made the important choice to consult a medical professional.
Etched into my memory is the instance when my mother returned from the hospital, her words resonating deeply: the diagnosis was Stage 3 breast cancer, its insidious reach extending beyond the breast to encompass the armpit and even making inroads into her lungs. Urgent surgery became imperative.
A normal day morphed into an anxiety-inducing ordeal. My limited understanding of cancer couldn’t have prepared me for the grim reality that it had already infiltrated my mother’s body in a distressing state. The exact inception of the cancer remained elusive, yet the doctor postulated its origins from my mother’s dietary choices. Candidly, the festivities of Eid saw us indulging in an array of rich foods, ranging from coconut milk to fatty delicacies. In hindsight, I conjecture that these dietary indulgences could have inadvertently fueled the growth of cancer within my mother’s body.
Our family comprised solely of three individuals: my father, my mother, and me. While I do have an elder sister, she had already embarked on her journey into motherhood, caring for her own two children. I hesitated to intrude upon her busy life, but her willingness to assist was ever-present and appreciated.
The post-surgeries challenges
Long story short, the surgery was successful, even with the news from the surgeons that they only take out the lumps, without removing my mother’s breast. Since I think they’re the doctors, they know better, as things seemed to be progressing smoothly over the months with regular weekly check-ups. However, as time passed, her breathing became increasingly labored, a struggle with each inhale. Every breath carried pain, leading to thoughts that abstaining from breathing altogether might be a less arduous option.
I’m starting to think that maybe the lumps weren’t removed completely during the surgery. Urgent visits to the emergency room became routine as we sought direct consultations with specialists. Yet, the convoluted procedures we encountered were reminiscent of the labyrinth we navigated when arranging my mother’s initial surgery.
At last, we met with the specialists, and their verdict hit with unflinching directness: the lumps, unsettling and persistent, remained intact. Their words were unambiguous, revealing that the cancer endured, thereby necessitating an additional surgical intervention. The gravity of the situation meant confronting the reality that her right breast, the source of both the lumps and the pain, had to be removed. This decision was undeniably tough for my mother to absorb, but the options were limited, leaving her with little room for choice.
She’s now lost it completely. My father says that my mother’s lump is as big as my 1-liter water bottle.
Yet, even after the operation, the ordeal wasn’t over. Breathing remained a source of agony, and it turned out that the fluid remaining in her lungs was the cause. This requires a chest tube to be inserted through her back, providing a channel for drainage.
The tube, along with the valve on her right back, needs to be regularly turned to allow the fluid in the lungs to drain. This makes it quite challenging for her as she can’t move around much. She struggles when going to the bathroom, and she has to sleep facing the left to avoid bumping the tube.
Breathing problems continue
Watching her in this condition was truly heartbreaking. Labored breaths, ceaseless pain, and a tube extending from her back had become her unsettling reality. Even after the lumps have been removed.
Amidst the struggle, the solace of family and friends was a radiant glimmer. Their visits, nurturing meals, and uplifting words provided a comforting embrace. Seeing her companions stand by her, even in this stage of life, accentuated the deep significance of these bonds.
The hospital transformed into a secondary abode, an unwavering ally in addressing her lung and cancer challenges. Balancing my work commitments with her appointments became customary. Her absence at home was palpable, the familiar aromas of her cooking and the order she maintained now conspicuously absent. I assumed these roles, aided by my father’s steadfast presence and my sister’s unwavering support.
Shouldering the responsibilities didn’t burden me, but a longing for her presence gnawed within. Her serene slumber, culinary mastery, and the sound of her laughter during cherished TV programs were deeply missed. The house exuded a certain emptiness. Nevertheless, I held firm in my conviction that this ordeal, challenging as it was, would eventually yield triumph — she would emerge victorious from this battle.
Chemotherapy obligations
Following numerous consultations, chemotherapy emerged as the recommended course of action for cancer treatment. Yet, maneuvering through a public insurance system meant grappling with protracted waiting times for chemotherapy appointments. Her chest pain intensified, an unrelenting ache. She once whispered that these might be her final moments. My heart shattered at the thought.
Her devout nature radiated brightly, urging me to bestow her belongings upon charitable causes, her conviction rooted in the belief of their positive influence in the afterlife. As I complied, tears welled in my eyes, emotions mingling as I relinquished a portion of her possessions to charitable causes.
One evening within the hospital walls, my father, a man with few tears, shared a rare moment of vulnerability, urging me to remain resolute and vigilant. Holding back my feelings, I restrained my tears until I straddled a motorcycle taxi, where I allowed my emotions to flow, beneath the shelter of a helmet and mask.
The heartfelt well-wishes from my three-year-old niece were truly touching.
“Don’t go anywhere, Grandma. I believe in you,”
She earnestly expressed, evoking tears in my eyes. Even the support of a young child brought immense comfort during those trying times.
As the intensity of her chest pain escalated, an overwhelming desperation gripped her, compelling her to seek respite from the ceaseless torment. Nevertheless, our unwavering support remained steadfast. We stood by her side, a constant presence, continuously imparting encouragement to fuel his determination to battle through the ordeal.
By chance, we discovered a private hospital that could provide prompt chemotherapy, although at a steeper price. The urgency of her suffering left us with no choice. In the face of this predicament, our family unity shone brightly, with one of my aunts stepping in to alleviate the financial strain.
We find ourselves profoundly thankful for the abundant support systems that have rallied around us. Including my aunt who has shown her unwavering willingness to help my mother, making a sizeable contribution to her care.
The light of freedom
Chemotherapy sessions came and went, accompanied by a gradual improvement in her condition. Amidst this journey, windows of opportunity for outings started to open, even though the weight of fatigue lingered. It was heartening to witness the tangible strides of progress: she reclaimed her passion for cooking and joyfully engaged with her grandchildren in spirited play. The pendulum of life seemed to swing back toward normalcy, fostering a renewed sense of hope and stability for all of us.
Regular check-up routines and an ongoing regimen are becoming the new norm. At each appointment, medication was prescribed, which was an important part of her journey. Through it all, her resilience stands as an unwavering force, driving the momentum of progress. I hold fast to my unwavering faith in her strength, knowing that her determination will be the guiding light along this arduous path.
Today, she’s better, the struggle and support paving the way for recovery. I can see her smile again, the light of freedom on her face. Even though there have been some changes that she initially disliked: her hair gradually decreased and now there’s very little left. Nonetheless, my commitment to guarding against breast cancer intensified. I embarked on a journey of dietary alterations, heightened awareness, and an unwavering vigilance against additives and preservatives, crafting these practices into my shield against the disease.
My mother’s path was fraught with challenges and obstacles, yet her indomitable spirit to combat cancer surpassed them all. Upheld by an unyielding tide of support and fervent prayers, she stands beside us to this very day, a testament to her unwavering resilience.
For those who come across these words, remember that cancer is a matter of grave importance. Its signs might be apparent or hidden. Early detection is crucial for timely intervention. Kindly refer to the provided link regarding breast cancer signs and symptoms, I believe this article could provide you with comprehensive information.
And to anyone facing a similar journey, please hold tight. The challenging phase will eventually pass, making way for brighter times ahead. Keep your grip firm.
Cancer might attempt to seize everything — your life, your loved ones, your cherished moments. Refuse to let it succeed.
My mother can be the example of why you should hang on to this day. Treasure your well-being wholeheartedly. Confront cancer at its inception, recognize the symptoms early, and emerge victorious. Your beautiful days of cooking, gardening, and other soothing activities are awaiting you.
The darkness of illness can feel all-encompassing, casting doubt and fear over the path ahead. However, the human spirit’s resilience, coupled with advancements in medical science, assures that no struggle is insurmountable. Every step taken towards diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is a stride towards reclaiming one’s life from the clutches of this disease.
With every challenge comes the opportunity for growth, and with every setback, the potential for an even more triumphant comeback.
Stand strong and confront the challenge head-on. Cancer shall not win.
