Surviving Breast Cancer: My Journey from Self-Detection to Community Support

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Patient & Survivor Stories

How was your breast cancer detected?  (Ex self-examination, annual mammogram,  ultrasound)

I was diagnosed in March 2022. I detected my cancer (3 months after a clear mammogram screening!) All told my treatments took a year and a half and I’ll be on hormone blockers for many years to come.

How was the support from Family / Friends / Cayman Community during your breast cancer journey?

My family and friends carried me through it … I’m lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive husband & friends in Cayman who are like family. They were with me every step of the way. It was difficult being away from my parents and kids who are in Canada but the support on island was amazing!!

How did the Breast Cancer Foundation help you?

The BCF was an important part of my support system. In the beginning as I was trying to navigate the onslaught of information, they helped me sift through everything and make decisions. As I journeyed through my treatments, they helped with little things like special pillowcases and scarves (as I opted out of the cold-cap treatments). They also helped with funding for therapies outside the scope of my traditional treatment plan which was covered by insurance … with things like counseling, physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, reflexology etc. They also provided a network akin to a sisterhood (that no one wants to belong to 😉 and that is super valuable.