Exactly a year ago today, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctors pronounced the mass they found in her right breast malignant after they extracted it and then performed tests to find out if it was harmful or not. The operation was done instead of the usual biopsy, in which only a tiny part of the mass, a sample if you may, would be taken through an injection or something to be checked and tested, at the insistence of my mom’s attending physician. It was better to remove the whole of it immediately than leave it inside my mom’s body longer after all. The mass was big according to the doctors and my brother who was at the hospital on the day of mom’s operation; I had to be in school. Thankfully though, the cancer was still at an early stage when they found it.
That first operation was followed by another more serious one. Exactly 2 days after being diagnosed, my mom underwent a mastectomy; in simpler terms, her whole right breast was removed. It was replaced with an implant of sorts so that it wasn’t left flat. The doctors highly encouraged the operation since it was the best way to prevent any recurrences of the cancer. It was a difficult decision but it had to be made. My mom was understandably torn about it at first; it was an important part of her womanhood that was taken away from her, if you know what I mean. But she learned to accept it eventually and never felt bad about it anymore since then. It also helped that she met other breast cancer survivors who willingly helped her cope and welcomed her to their support groups.
We stayed in the hospital with her for about a week after the 2 operations. She was allowed to go home earlier than expected as the doctors observed she was recovering quickly, but she was advised and scheduled to take chemotherapy, but only a few sessions of it since her cancer was still at an early stage. It was another difficult decision that had to be made. We all understood what would happen if mom underwent chemo. And when she did, things happened as expected. She started wearing a wig, which was lent to her by her cousin who is also a breast cancer survivor. And she started dreading every chemo session. Let me tell you, what they show in the movies is very true. My mom came out of every chemo session feeling sick, weak and tired. At home she would just stay in and sleep almost the whole day for 2-3 consecutive days. It was never easy, but we took care of her of course. All for and out of love. The last thing we wanted was for her to feel any worse.
Halfway through her chemo, she was advised to take radiation sessions as well. And then when she was done with those, she had to start taking shots of Herceptin, an antibiotic that helps stop the development of cancer cells.
Now my mom’s all better. Her hair’s still shorter than usual but long enough that she stopped wearing a wig. It looks like she had a pixie cut like Emma Watson haha I actually keep telling her it’s nice J And she has about 3-4 shots of Herceptin left to take, if I’m not mistaken, whichis not as “heavy” as chemotherapy, thankfully. As soon as she finishes taking those last shots, she’s done with medications. All she has to do is get even better and stay healthy. And we’re doing it with her! Since my dad had a stroke about 7 years ago, we started lessening the salt and artificial flavorings and stuff in our food. Now, since my mom’s bout with cancer, the food at home just turned healthier. We always have fruits on the table now and we drink tea and organic supplements like barley extract and wheatgrass juice. But we’re not complaining. We’re just happy she’s better and healthier. Both my parents have been through serious health issues, but they’re both here and stronger now and I feel very blessed because of that.
What we went through with my mom was an eye-opener for me. Now I find myself wanting to help out in cancer support groups, especially those for breast cancer patients and survivors (hence, the tite “Think Pink”), and support the causes related to it, especially awareness and finding a cure.
Consider this post as my own stand and support for awareness and finding a cure against cancer.
Many lives have been lost to it and more people are being diagnosed and fighting it nowadays. No one deserves to get cancer and suffer from it. It’s a very serious disease and one of the most difficult to deal with. And it’s not easy on the pocket either. Let’s all pray that a cure will be found soon and that those who are fighting it now may never lose hope and win against it.
Until then, please remember that there are steps we can take to help prevent it. Eat healthy, exercise regularly or as much as you can, and take vitamins and medicines you may need, especially if you have a history of the disease in the family. Awareness is your friend! If you find any symptoms, have yourself checked as soon as possible. Early detection is the best way to beat it.
xx Nikki
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