I didn’t know how to do a proper self-examination, but I used to examine my breast, just to understand how it usually feels like. One day, while I was in the shower, I found a lump in my left breast.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I am one of those people who go to the doctor for every little thing, so I consulted a doctor. I underwent an ultrasound, and the doctor found something unusual, so I underwent a mammogram.
A week later, the reports came, and it was all okay, but the doctor asked me for a Biopsy. I got my Biopsy done and came to know that it was invasive ductal carcinoma Her-positive Breast Cancer. I was all alone when I got this news, and I feel it was a good thing at some level because I got the time to cut off from everything and sit with myself and not take anyone else’s reaction. I was only 28 years old, and all my genetic testing was negative.
I tell my partner everything, and it was a very weird feeling that he wasn’t yet aware of the Breast Cancer news. I went home and told him that it was Breast Cancer. I said sorry to him because he had to go through that with me, and he said that he would always be with me without feeling guilty for loving me.
He was amazing; he never complained or made me feel like I had cancer. Later, I disclosed this news to my family, and everyone was shocked, but they quickly came out of it and said we would fight it.
Breast Cancer Treatment
I chose to take an integrative approach. It was stage 1 breast cancer, so the doctor decided to do a lumpectomy. I took alternative treatment along with conventional treatment. I like learning and researching, so I started reading and watching everything on Breast Cancer that I could find. After researching and consulting various doctors, I underwent Chemotherapy sessions, which went for a year. Going for an integrative approach gave me more confidence in my health and treatment.
One of the chemotherapies was very tough to handle. My heartbeat was rising, and I was so weak and tired. I also had mental and emotional side effects. Those were the moments where the family support came in.
My job was flexible, so it was easy for me to work online or take a pause sometimes. Gradually, after some months, I started working regularly. Everyone I was surrounded with was very supportive. My family also helped me a lot. I was brought so much closer to my partner, mother, step-father, sister, and in-laws. Everyone was so supportive, and I would not have to get through this without them.
Lifestyle changes
I used to have candies, muffins, or cookies almost every day, but after cancer, the foremost thing that I did was cutting off sugar from my diet. I also cut off diary products and processed or refined grains. I started meditating to be more stress-free. I did everything I could find for my good health, including a lot of detoxing.
Cancer has been an incredible life-changing experience. I got very much involved in my healing. We live in a society where everyone is in a rush and feel guilty about taking a break to take care of themselves, but I was able to take a break and take care of myself. I think you have to take that break to give your body a space to heal.
When I had the reports in my hands saying that I was cancer-free, I felt like some heaviness has just shed off, and there was a lot of relaxation.
I am now very involved with my physical health, mental state, and emotional aspects. I developed a connection with myself, and the universe guided me on my journey. I started a blog and cancer community on Facebook, which brought so much positivity and meaning to my cancer experience and to help people suffering from cancer. I also do talks on topics such as detoxing, diet, and personal growth in the face of The Big C.
Parting Message
It’s essential to be an active patient, ask questions, and if something doesn’t feel right, then explore more. The doctors should understand the patient’s situation and encourage them to do things that make them confident. Understand yourself, develop a connection with yourself, and trust in yourself.
