During a trip to London in early January 2020, I thought I would book my Mammogram. In the UK. There is a designated number you can call to book your appointment; however, I was told I was not due for one as my last one was 18 months earlier. It didn’t concern me too much as I knew I could book one here in Cayman and I also didn’t have any symptoms!
I had no symptoms or cause for concern
In early Feb 2020 it did cross my mind to make an appointment for my Mammogram but then again, I had no symptoms and before we knew it, it was March and we all went into lockdown! Months went by and like everyone else on the island I was grateful not to have covid and made the best of it. When we started to have more freedom, I got back into my Yoga and daily walks and felt fine. That is, until September 2020!
It all changed one morning when I noticed a difference
I remember that morning vividly. I had done a Yoga session the night before, on the Westin beach and felt good. That all changed when I stepped out of the shower that morning and noticed a slight difference in my left breast. I personally could not feel any lump but noticed a dimpling around the nipple. I immediately called my GP. Dr Ginny Hobday, and booked my Mammogram at OceanMed. From that day forward everything moved very quickly.
I had Stage 2, Grade 3, HR+ HER2- Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer
A week later and after various ultrasounds and biopsies, I was sat in the Surgeon’s office and told I had Stage 2, Grade 3, HR + HER2- Ductal Carcinoma or in other words BREAST CANCER!
To say I was in complete shock is an understatement! That very same day a call was made to BCF, on my behalf, and they were fully onboard.
During 16 weeks of chemotherapy, I also did cold capping to save my hair
In October 2020, my treatment began. I chose Dr. Vineetha Binoy at Health City as my Oncologist and I had 16 weeks of hardcore chemo which included, by my own choice, cold capping to save my hair. The BCF volunteers were by my side the whole time, from early morning till often after 6pm. They held my hand if I got teary, they made me laugh to lighten the load and in general got me through a very difficult time. I didn’t really have too many side effects from the chemo except for fatigue.
In early March 2021 I had a lumpectomy and the removal of 3 lymph nodes and after a further biopsy, I had a Mastectomy at the end of March 2021. All performed by Dr. Tanja Ebanks.
Finally, in April 2021 I was required to take the Hormone Blocker, Anastrozole, which I will need to take for 10 years!! The side effects of this medication varies from patient to patient but for me, consists primarily of bone pain and fatigue although the latter is helped by regular daily exercise.
Having support is vitally important
Having support around you when you get this diagnosis is vitally important. I had an amazing medical team, incredible friends who stepped in to help and get me back on my feet and, of course the Breast Cancer Foundation and all they offer. They were always in touch and provided solutions to various ailments to include, physio, acupuncture, art therapy classes, mindfulness, counselling, group meetings to meet other women going through the same journey and always there at the end of the phone if I had any questions.
Get your mammogram
My advice to anyone reading this is if you haven’t had a Mammogram or don’t think you need one, just PLEASE go do it, it’s worth taking the time to do it! If I had booked mine in early February 2020, before lockdown, my diagnosis would probably still have been Breast Cancer but a lot less invasive and caught much earlier. Just the thought of not having to go through such invasive treatments and now this long-term medication would have been worth it.
Make memories with amazing people you meet along the way
Life as a survivor is not without its challenges. You must keep positive and take a closer look at your diet and exercise. It’s a daily and continuous journey. If there are any blessings to come out of this journey, I would say that I have met some amazing and incredible women who I would not have otherwise crossed paths with. We all hold each other up and are always there to listen and offer encouragement.
Cancer is tough, but so are you!
