Symptoms & Diagnosis

I am Premlatha Parihar. I am a breast cancer survivor. My initial symptoms were diarrhoea and weakness, which didn't go away with medicines. So, I checked myself thoroughly and found a nodule on my right breast. My family took me to the hospital where Biopsy revealed that I had breast cancer. So, that's how early detection can be a key to proper treatment and speedy recovery. Breast self-exams are a simple, painless, and effective way of finding lumps in your breasts. This helps you detect breast cancer early before it gets too big to be treated without surgery.

I have been a breast cancer survivor for more than years now. I have gained much knowledge and experience during my battle against this disease. My goal is to make women aware of breast cancer and help them detect it early so they can save their lives.

Asking about breast cancer symptoms is important because it can help you find breast cancer early when treatment is more likely to be successful. Also, it's the only way to know for sure if you have breast cancer or not. Generally, there are three main things to look for: lumps or thickening of the breast tissue; pain in your breasts or chest area; and nipple changes like discharge from nipples or any change in skin colour.

Side Effects & Challenges

My biggest challenge was cancer. For over six months, I had to undergo chemo and radiotherapy. During this phase, I joined the Anuradha Saxenas Sangini Group, which made me feel like a normal person again. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it felt like my world had fallen apart. For a long time, I felt alone and helpless. But at Sangini, I found an enormous support network of people who understood what I was going through, which made me feel less alone. This is something that I can never forget in my lifetime.

After the initial shock and disbelief, the journey has not been easy. At first, my family didn't believe me, and went for multiple second opinions. Finally, I underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment which was challenging at the time because of lack of awareness and facilities. However, I feel super good and glad to join Sangini Group which made me feel confident about myself.

Support System & Caregiver

The support from my family was an important part of my recovery. The unconditional love and care helped me through challenging times and made it possible for me to get back on track. Most of all, I thank the doctors for their selfless efforts throughout my treatment and surgery. Their experience and expertise were instrumental in ensuring that I felt welcome during all stages of the process.

As a cancer survivor, it becomes my duty to express my deepest gratitude to family and friends who also ensured the best possible care. It's really important because they are with you whenever you need them. My complete family stood by me through thick and thin. But there are times when I felt lonely and scared while facing uncertainty, confusion, frustration and all these emotions that come along with my struggle. No one is going to be there in all those situations unless you have a strong support system and the best caregivers.

Post Cancer & Future Goals

My treatments, emotions, and consequences of cancer were overwhelming. At first, it may seem like there are no positive aspects to having had cancer. But many people, after the treatment ends and their life returns to some sense of normalcy, discover positive things about having had cancer.

Many people find that having faced cancer has changed their lives. Some of these changes are positive. I have gained an inner strength I didn't know I had. I also have developed a new sense of zest for the future, which extends far beyond my battle with cancer. I have established new friendships while undergoing cancer treatment and found new sources of support.

Now, I am more into my future goals and I will take on whatever comes before me. I am going to live every moment without any regret. Finding the positives in post-cancer is a journey, and not all people will experience it. For some people, it may be finding an inner strength, while for others it may be developing a new friendship or learning to appreciate life more.

If you have had cancer, you are not alone. It's not something you talk about with everyone, but it's a common experience for many people. Whatever your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, I know that life will never be the same again. But what follows after cancer treatment is unique to each person. I hope this personal experience may help you on your journey to adjust back into your life without cancer.

Some Lessons That I Learned

When learning to live a healthy life, I try to take the best of both worlds sticking to my prescribed diet and exercise and watching what I eat when I travel. Being an avid traveller, my goal was not to let cancer hold me back. After some trial and error and having a few successes along the way, it all helped me keep my balance between enjoying life and preventing a recurrence. Just because I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it doesn't mean I have to give up all pleasures in life. I am a big fan of travel, and one of my favourite things to do is eat out. If you travel and eat often, this could be one way to keep your mind off worrying while enjoying your food while travelling.

Over the last few years, I have learned a lot about myself and where my priorities are. The biggest thing is to just enjoy life and let yourself live a little. Also, no matter how prepared you are, you cannot anticipate everything that happens while travelling. You need to be adaptable and flexible when you are far from home. The best way to safeguard your mental health after treatment is to do things that make you happy. Make time for things that bring you joy, so you can feel balanced and centered.

Parting Message

I know what it's like to be on the other side of cancer. It's scary, challenging and you feel alone. There are so many things to worry about, but my advice is to not go through this experience alone. It's all about coming together for a global movement of hope, healing, and empowerment. I also understand what it is like to face breast cancer. I know the good days, the bad days, and everything in between.

If you have survived breast cancer, then you know that the fight isn't over. It's time to get involved and become an advocate for breast health. Let's be there for one another, so we can create a healthier future for all women. The purpose of this parting message is to give you some ideas for helping survivors face their greatest challenges whether it's returning to work or maintaining a workout routine as they adjust to life after treatment. The more we can support each other, the easier things will get.

And, remember This isn't just about surviving breast cancer, it's also about living well.