Pink October, practically all of us have heard of it - pink ribbons, charity events, pink T-shirts, and even pink taxis, all in the name of 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'.
Every year, clinics see a rise in the numbers of women having check-ups during the month of October. For Desiree Farrugia, breast cancer is much more than a pink ribbon and a calendar month of the year. Desiree has lived the experience of having breast cancer; it has scarred her and her family both physically and mentally. "While I am very happy that there is a whole month dedicated to the cause, a part of me wishes awareness is always high, cancer has no month or year it can hit you when you least expect it," she said. We met outside a busy Paola cafe to discuss her ordeal, which is still ongoing as her last operation was a mere three weeks ago. Barely able to lift her arms,
Desiree made an immense effort to meet with us during this delicate phase of recovery, to share her story, a story which may just save your life.
"I was 39 at the time. I did not have a family history of breast cancer, had a healthy balanced lifestyle and any of the high-risk factors for breast cancer." Desiree's story began four years ago, after she noticed a small lump in her breast while taking a shower. She pushed all anxious thoughts to the back of her mind, putting off a visit to her doctor. "I guess I was in denial, I was too busy, or always finding a reason to not visit the doctor." A few weeks later, her niggling doubts became too much and she made an appointment with her doctor. Her gynaecologist wanted to rule out any risk and referred her for an ultrasound and mammogram at St James Hospital.
At the hospital, the doctors identified the lump and opted for a biopsy right away.
"Ironically, I thought if I just have the biopsy now then I won't have to return for another visit." In her mind, she was so sure there was nothing wrong. A week later, Desiree was at work when she received a phone call with the dreaded results.
"They asked me to come in immediately. I was at work, I froze, I felt so sick, as I knew right away that it could only mean I had cancer. I did everything I could not to go back to the hospital. I called my gynaecologist in a panic who offered to collect the results on my behalf." Desiree's gynaecologist confirmed the devastating news - she had Stage 1 breast cancer, but positively it could be treated.
After this shock, Desiree found great support from her family, relatives and friends. "I was lucky that I had my husband and my family; the only thing I regret was not telling my two young children sooner. I guess I was trying to protect them." A few weeks later the lump was removed at Mater Dei, followed by weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. "My life just became one medical appointment after another, my immune system was low, and I was told to avoid busy areas or closed spaces. At times, the chemotherapy made me feel unbelievably sick but with the help of nurses and medicines, I recovered in time for the next session. Both the nurses at Mater Dei and at the Oncology Centre are very helpful and do their best to prepare you for the harsh side effects of chemotherapy."
Fortunately, the treatments were effective and Desiree was given the all clear. Her life resumed the normality she had been desperately craving. "When you tell people you have cancer, many people assume it is a death sentence; for me cancer was a pause in my life, my body and my life will return to normal. This is just a blip, a temporary state you have to face and keep moving."
This is a viewpoint Desiree maintains despite the unthinkable situation that the cancer had returned this summer. ''My life was fully back on track, all my hair had finally grown back, and then I found another lump in the same area and I knew, I knew right away." Desiree's doctors confirmed her worst fears and as it was a reoccurrence, a mastectomy was recommended. ''For me, the fear of losing a breast was far lower than living with the fear of the cancer returning; I just wanted it gone. In fact, I wanted a double mastectomy but the doctors advised me against it due to greater risk of infections and longer recovery times." At present, Desiree is awaiting news to establish her treatment options; she has full faith in the medical team but is desperately hoping the second round of chemotherapy is not on the cards.
Desiree's story is not unique; hundreds of women face the same diagnosis every year. ''I know I am not the only one. I have met others in my situation and some far worse, but meeting others gives me strength as do the excellent team of professional support nurses at Mater Dei. Nurses at the Breast Clinic are very supportive and they explain things in simple terms, so I can understand what is actually happening and what the treatment options are. I am very lucky, I have my family and a very supportive work environment.''
Desiree's message is loud and clear '' Check yourself regularly, no one knows you better than yourself. Do not put off going for check-ups if you have any doubts in your mind. If you can find the time for everything else you can certainly find the time for your health. Face your fears; after all, it may be nothing serious. Worst case scenario - be assured there is plenty of medical advice and support out there."
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2yDj7Ii
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