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The legendary singer-songwriter Bob Marley once said, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." Now this might sound like good reading to most. But the depth of each of these words was impressed upon me when life sprang an unpleasant surprise on me one fine day, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Beginning of the End
It started with a prickling sensation just under my left armpit one morning when I had come out of my bath. Not giving much thought to it, since I had a presentation before the Management, I left home for office in a hurry. My presentation went well and was appreciated by all. I felt elated, but for the irritating, nagging dull pain under the armpit. The pain persisted throughout the day, but was gone by the time I reached home after an exhaustive day at work. I forgot all about it until that dreadful day.
I got up early due to the pain which had come back with a vengeance. My left breast felt tender and the pain had moved more towards it. Instinctively, I touched it and was surprised to feel a small lump on the outer side of the left breast. Fearing the worst, I woke up my husband and told him about it. Reassuring though he was, I could sense that he was terrified from within. We decided to meet our family physician first thing in the morning.
The Battle
My worst fears were confirmed when the results of the mammography and related tests came in. I had 1st stage breast cancer. I crashed under the immense surge of fear and anxiety and had to be counseled by my husband and my doctors.
While I was asked to rest at home for a couple of days, my husband was busy consulting with various specialist doctors to chart the course of my treatment. Test results suggested that the cancer had not spread uncontrollably. I was to undergo lumpectomy, a surgery wherein the tumor lump would be removed from the breast. Exactly 10 days after I first detected the lump in my breast, I underwent surgery to get it removed. With the lump removed, I was to undergo another round of chemotherapy.
After Effects
I had heard heart-rending tales of people who had undergone chemotherapy but never realized that I would have to go through it myself one day. 10 sessions of chemotherapy and biological therapy over a period of 5 months left me as a fatigued person. You could add side effects like hair loss, frequent nausea, hot flashes and temporarily lowered blood counts to know what I am taking about.
My family was my Rock of Gibraltar and they gave me strength and resolve at each step of the way. I owe my life to them. With the cancer destroyed, the next thing was to get my lost body back. I had to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a customized diet and a light exercise regimen. My husband adopted the same so that he could give me company. I am now on my way to regaining the lost glory that was my body. My workplace supported my immensely in this endeavor and I could never thank them enough for the trust and patience they showed in me.
Chapter 1: New Life
It's been 11 months now since that fateful day. I have regained my earlier active lifestyle, albeit with a lot of positive additions. In those days I also realized the value of having a comprehensive medical policy which helped us pay off most of the bills of my treatment. If it was not for the policy, we would have been severely strained for resources.
The past year has given me a new perspective to look at life. Oftentimes, we take life too seriously. It could end in a whiff. Just like that. We need to cherish every moment we have as if it were our last. I've also learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
