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Breast Cancer

Rosaaa
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Hi everyone, 

Firstly I apologize for grammar error as English is not my first language.  I want to share my experience with cancer, which still I am in the process, to remind you to not be scared!

 

I am 33 years single women. I was studying and almost complete my master and prepare myself for PHD. Then one day, I just want to check my breast if everything is ok or not. Actually I did not have any symptom related to cancer. It was just normal check-up as I had not gone to doctor to check my body for 3 years. When my GP said that it is better to take ultrasound and maybe mammography to be sure that everything is ok, I went to the Hospital. Then I learned that I had HER2 positive 3. Level breast cancer with zero symptoms!!!!. Mine was invasive malignant microcalcification around 10 cm2. It was a big shocked of course! I cried and pretended as if I am in the nightmare for a few days. Then I walked, walked and walked in the  street one week to understand and digest this big news in my life. I was alone and had no family support because I was in Belfast. In addition, I could not have a big community around me in Belfast. I just could  have few friends  because of covid and very limited social life. Moreover, I had lots of problem financially and accommodation. On the one hand, I tried to solve this problem. On the other hand, I was trying to keep my body from any virus and any accident. It was one of the toughest time in my life. After I arrange everything, I went to one of the best restaurant and enjoy with my food and promised myself that this cancer will go just like it came!! I promised myself that I will eat even though I vomit and nausea. I promised myself that I will continue  keeping my body active during the day such as walking and exercise. And I promised myself I will spoil myself and can be weak sometimes. So, If I feel weak, then be as this heals the soul and body to strengthen your will for future…

 

Then I shared this with my siblings on the phone and we cried together.  It was really difficult to not hug your sisters and brothers while you share your bad news. After we digested this together, I said to them to not cry anymore as it will pass!!! Then we started laughing on the phone, making funny gossips and stories and send gifts to each other and say beautiful words to each other and all these beauties have started to flow around us.

When I had lots of appointment with surgeon, oncologist etc… I bought diary which helped a lot to follow your appointment. After having conversation with my surgeon and oncologist, I was convinced that I am with right doctors.  Do not think you bore these people. They are here for you.  

Then, my treatment has started. Yes, I had nausea and very bad headache but Oncology helpline helped a lot and I managed very well in the first and second cycle. After third cycle, I had started to vomit and very bad muscle pain. But, this also was managed with Breast Cancer Nurses. They are amazing! While I was preparing for next cycle, I have had covid!! Here I am!!! Was it really necessary to have covid now? Any way…. It came and I kicked it off even though still I have covid symptoms…

With a very limited environment and few people in Belfast, I am continuing this treatment and I know it may be more difficult during surgery and after surgery. But I know that life is much stronger than this cancer!!!

Please do not allow the scary to occupy your mind and your body!. Just know that we can beat cancer as long as we believe in ourselves!!! We just need to decide who will win!

You can feel fear, angry, disappointed, stressful. Give a space to feel whatever you want to feel. However, remind yourself that you are very strong and this cancer is just a piece that you can kick it off!!!

if you want to ask anything, I will try my best for you!

 

 

  • Hello Rosaaa and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I was just reading through your post and wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with us. I think many of our members who are just starting their own breast cancer journeys will really appreciate the insight you've given and I'm sure if they have any questions they will stop by to find out more.

    I'm really glad your family are doing all they can to support you from afar but it must be very difficult not being able to see them in person. It would be lovely if you were able to connect with others in Belfast on this journey so I've done a little bit of research and found some cancer organisations you may like to get in touch with.

    The first, which you may have heard of or come across already, is called Pretty N Pink. They are Northern Ireland's only breast cancer charity and are there to help anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis. The second is called Cancer Lifeline. They host fortnightly female support group sessions and offer an informal opportunity for women diagnosed with cancer to come together, share their experiences and gain support from each other. The third one I've found is Action Cancer. They offer care and support to anyone who has been impacted by cancer at any time in their cancer journey.

    I know things have been tough but I hope the information I've provided will prove useful and that your treatment continues to go from strength to strength. 

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Dear Steph, 

    Thank you so much for your supportive reply. I have contacted all charities and foundations in the place where I live. they're helping a lot and reducing your anxiety and stress which occurs due to practical and psychological factors. 

     

    and thank you for editing of my post! :)

     

  • Offline

    I truly hope that everything goes well for you Rosaa, I have just finished my treatment for breast cancer. Stay positive. 

  • Offline

     

    Hello Rosaa, 

    I hope all is going well with your treatment. I am sorry that you are on this journey but thank you for sharing your story. Your determination and positive energy is very inspiring. I myself has been diagnosed with breast cancer beginning of this year. And like you, I live alone here in the UK, my family lives abroad. However, unlike you, I have been unable to share this news to my family because it will worry them and make it more distressing for my family because my Mum also have cancer diagnosed last year.

    I was a wreck on the day when the Consultant Breast surgeon told me that I have cancer. I cried, cried and cried. Not because I have cancer, but because I am looking after and providing for my Mum who has cancer and I cannot be sick! But days and weeks gone by and I slowly accepted that it is what it is and I just need to focus on my treatment (although it is difficult due to circumstances)   And that I just need to take one day at a time. Only a few friends know about my condition and they have been very supportive, but limited due to Covid restrictions. I find that sometimes that my friends do not know what to say or they avoid the topic of me having cancer, maybe because they do not fully understand ( I suppose you can't really unless you have been through it yourself). 

    I try to keep a positive outlook and take it one day at a time. (Yes, some days are better than others)  I have also joined a few online workshops with cancer charity organisations and they have been very helpful.

    Goodluck to us on our treatment and I hope all goes well. 

  • Offline

    As you said Rosaa, life is much stronger than cancer and that we can beat this, we just need to believe in ourselves. Thank you, and continue to spread such great energy and positivity. 

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