My Breast Cancer Journey by Sarah Namirembe
This is going to be a long one, but I just wanted to share in case it might help someone.
Last month was National Breast Cancer month. I never thought I would be associated with this, but I was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a year ago. My breast cancer was hormone based, which means my system produces a lot of oestrogen. There are about 8 different types of breast cancers (shocking, right!?).
The crazy thing is that I was starting to feel a bit better in my life and the best I have felt for some time - despite the pandemic - mentally and physically. So this was such a shock and I think I was somehow in denial. My lump was 2mm in size and a grade 3 ... so quite aggressive. When I went to see the doctor she insisted on sending me home as she couldn’t feel anything and she thought my pain was hormonal.' She said cancerous cells are not painful, but mine were! I persisted and refused to leave the surgery until she gave me a referral. I know my body well and knew it wasn’t there the previous month.
I was thinking of my mum, or someone who takes a doctor's word for everything. They would’ve gone back home, and 6 months down the line the cancer could have spread. Luckily, my cancer was caught early and it hadn’t spread, but not everyone is so lucky. I was shocked by some of the stories the nurses were telling me.
A lot of people who are diagnosed, including men (men get breast cancer too!), won’t go back for their treatments, either because they are either scared, they are in denial, or they would rather bury their heads in the sand. Who knows, but by the time they pick up the courage, it can be too late.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are tough, but they have come along way and if you catch most cancers early enough your survival rates are increasingly high. You can still be active, but naturally your energy levels will get lower - just know that it passes. With some cancers, you might not need such intensive treatments (I am told)… just some tablets you might take for a few years. Sometimes your body needs a little bit of an MOT, to put it lightly. Maybe most of you already know some of this and probably know of someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer, but I thought it might help to share and maybe help someone.
One other thing I wanted to mention and something I learned on this journey - despite not having to do with breast cancer - is about prostate cancer. It’s the number one killer of men (especially black men). They call it the silent killer, as most of the time there are no symptoms.
The thing is, I know it’s not a fun procedure, but you have to do your annual checkups; the doctors have seen so many bums out there, and trust me they’re not going to change their careers after analysing yours! If you take one thing away from me sharing my experience, pleasecheck yourselves regularly. Get to know your body well and if something is not right, do not delay to get it seen to. If you do not want to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones, your parents, children, friends, because they are the ones that will hurt the most when you are not here for something that could have been avoided or prevented.
I know we all may have different types of faith and spirituality, but I feel I would not be here if it was not for my faith and the love of my friends and family. The lovely team of doctors and nurses who were fighting my corner and of course Hillside Clubhouse. You have all made my journey that little bit lighter in some way or another.
It does not have to be a death sentence, the key is early detection. I guess what I want to say is love your life. Get to know your body well, check yourself regularly and do not let any doctor try to talk you out of how you are feeling.
Do not cry over spilt milk, do not sweat the small stuff, live in the now. Do not bend your back backwards for people who don't appreciate you, do not be afraid to say no to anyone, and as long asy ou are looking after number one, everything will fall into place.
Big love and take care of yourselves, always.
Sarah
P.S. Here is a list of the organisations that I found helpful in my journey. I hope they can help you too if you need them.
Links to these organisations’ websites are also included - click on their names below or the logos above to visit
Macmillian - A great all rounder, including fancial help or help with filling out forms or other more general support.
Shine Cancer Support - This is a great organisation for meet ups to discuss what you are going through and to not feel so isolated in your own experience.
The C List - This is great to find products that are specifically designed for cancer patients, as you have to be very careful what you put on your body during chemotherapy.
Future Dreams - I have just found out about this one, and they have got rave reviews. It’s a pink building based in King’s Cross, and they have workshops going on regularly on all kinds of topics and offering lots of support.
