Battling Breast Cancer
It’s amazing how a small itch can draw our attention to something way more serious in our bodies. Something that we should all jump up and pay immediate attention to, yet for various reasons, we choose to set those thoughts aside. Ultimately however, it is simply fear that keeps us from looking at many things square on. As I felt the lump in my breast I froze, yet insisted to myself that it was ‘nothing’. I had been eating healthily, walking or running on the beach most days, and felt like I was in the best shape of my adult life. Stress? Well, there IS that. Being in real estate consulting in Panama, I had my fair share of stressful days, but not enough to warrant a lump. So, I pushed the lump down my throat and continued on through ‘high season’. I thought “What could be wrong?” – I was in great physical condition, had a healthy lifestyle and was happy! As work began to slow in April, I had noticed the lump in my breast had gotten much larger – and now there was another one in my armpit. The time was here to address this, so off I went to see Dr. Levy, who sent me away with a request for an ultrasound.
It was the ultrasound specialist in La Chorrera who informed me with a grim look on his face, that the lumps were cancer. In hindsight, I was probably in shock over the next few days as I systematically booked my flight back to Canada, packed a few things, said some “see you soons” and headed to the airport. My family was in Canada, and I knew I would need them close by to deal with this.
In Canada the doctors informed me I had Stage 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, which is an aggressive form of cancer. With my head spinning, I was informed I would need to undergo a double mastectomy, followed by 8 rounds of aggressive chemo therapy and 5 weeks of radiation. After all of this, I could then choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Over the next few months, I would face loss of hair, serious nausea, and intense pain, among many other possible side effects from two types of chemo treatments. There were days I was so sick and in severe pain that I could barely walk.
One thing I should tell you: From the time I was diagnosed with Cancer, I made the decision I would get through it with a positive attitude. I have an incredible life in Panama, and amazing new friends that I want to get back to. So, as matters went from bad to worse, I was inundated with emails and messages from friends wanting updates.
To keep in touch, I decided to use a blog to share my experience. I discovered it was not only an efficient way to keep friends and family up to date, it also helped others going through cancer. What I didn’t realize is the incredible amount of support I would receive. Friends and acquaintances rallied around me. The feedback I received through the sharing of my experience would help keep me strong and reinforce my vision of being healthy again. To be honest, I don’t recall a time in my life when I felt so blessed to have such amazing support! My family has become much closer as well. I truly could not feel more loved.
While I am still in the midst of treatments, I know I can beat this disease and have already booked my trip back to Panama this coming December. I am looking forward to beach runs as well as embracing all those people who send me strength.
If I were to give another woman any advice about how to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis, it would be to NOT assume a lump is something other than cancer. Get it assessed immediately! Alongside traditional medial treatment, take a holistic approach - find a local Naturopath who specializes in cancer and do what you need to do to get your body in ‘fighting mode’.
As far as prevention goes:
• Forgive yourself. Forget your worries. Be happy with yourself. Live each day to the fullest!
• Be aware of the chemicals in your food and cosmetics, (such as pesticides, etc.).
• Exercise – even if it is just walking. It is important!
• Detoxify your body – it probably is in need of it!
• Get an annual mammogram or ultrasound, as your doctor advises.
• Visualize yourself as being healthy.
• Take responsibility for your life and take care of YOU.
If cancer has given me any gifts, it is that it has given me time to reflect, heal and to realize that the ‘little stumbles’ in life are nothing compared to the big picture. Love yourself. Our time here is limited - use it wisely.
