I thought I was too young to have breast cancer!This is a personal account from a medical doctor, WT. She shares with us some of her experiences and what she has learnt from having to deal with breast cancer. She now advises her patients with greater motivation and speaks from experience - her own. (Date: 17/11/01 Age: 39+ years) It will be almost 4 years to the day I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. My whole world fell apart or so I thought. I have seen the ravages of terminal cancer first hand when I worked in the oncology (cancer) ward during my medical training in the hospital and it was not a pretty sight. I was afraid, very afraid. I was still young. I was not even supposed to be of the age to do a screening mammogram. I have examined hundreds of patients advising them to be proactive in their medical health. I should have listened to my own advice. I almost ignored my breast symptoms (one day, I suddenly felt pain in the left upper part of my breast and I thought there might be a small lump in that place) and I did dilly-dally about getting it further evaluated by the available imaging techniques. After all, I was too young to have breast cancer! Fortunately, I did finally go for the ultrasound (since I was just about 35+ years old then, an ultrasound was the first option) but was recommended to have the mammogram as well based on the ultrasound findings. The radiologist told me, the findings on ultrasound and mammogram were suspicious. I would need a biopsy to confirm the suspicion. Now I am a cancer survivor and I advise all my patients who are also fellow cancer survivors to be strong emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. Healing is not just about the disease but involves our whole being in confronting the disease. Being at peace about the illness (this is no easy task!) and being in tune with our whole self is essential if we are to battle breast cancer successfully. I thank God I have been given a second chance. Now I “listen” to my body's needs, embrace life with appreciation and thankfulness. Fortunately, I am surrounded by my loving family and friends. I advise patients to be thankful for good health, do not take it for granted and to be proactive. Go for the mammogram (depending on your age group or if you have breast symptoms), ultrasound (depends on age, symptoms and mammogram, if any), pap smear and other necessary blood tests and never think it won’t happen to you. Even if it is the worst news, take courage. I thought my life was ending on that fateful day when I was told the biopsy test proved positive for breast cancer. I remembered crying and crying, thinking of my 3 children and telling myself I can never smile or find any reason to be happy again. But today, I have learnt to enjoy life. As long as I am healthy, my loved ones are healthy, I am happy. I have learnt to laugh and smile again. Having faith helps and having God to help you survive the dark times will strengthen your faith. Be proactive in taking care of your health. Don’t wait for something like breast cancer to happen to you before you learn to live life to the fullest.
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