There is life after breast cancer

Carolind Graham, CONTRIBUTOR

Good health is something that I always took for granted. I had the first of my three children at 30 and all my pregnancies were uncomplicated. Shortly after my 42nd birthday, I noticed a small lump in my left breast. Upon investigation, this proved to be a cyst and was removed.

Upon entering menopause at 45 years old, my gynaecologist and I discussed the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy and agreed that I was a good candidate for this treatment which I remained on for five years. Simultaneous with the start of my hormone replacement therapy, I commenced scheduling my annual mammogram. Each year, like clockwork, I would schedule my mammogram to coincide with my annual visit to my gynaecologist.

In August 2004, I did my normal routine, fully confident that this would be no different to the many other mammograms and ultrasound tests that had been done before. I later received a call from my gynea asking me to come in and see him as soon as possible. This was unusual, but I was not too concerned. I knew that there was nothing wrong with me because my understanding of breast cancer is that you would feel a mass in the breast. I did my self-examinations regularly and there was no mass.

When he told me that, "We need to do a biopsy to determine if some cells in your right breast are cancerous", I was stunned!

How could this happen?! I was fine last year! There was no mass!

Mastectomy the only option

I thanked him, pulled myself together, went directly to my husband and totally unravelled on him. The biopsy came back positive and because there were cancerous cells like grains of sand scattered throughout the breast the only viable option was a mastectomy.

Now, I knew no one who was a breast-cancer survivor. It was a totally new experience, but my gynae's late wife was one of the founding members of Jamaica Reach to Recovery and he suggested that I attend one of their meetings.

I visited the September meeting and was amazed that there were so many 'normal-looking' women. They did not look 'odd' and they were all very cheerful and supportive.

I cried uncontrollably when I was asked to introduce myself but the ladies were very warm and understanding and I left the meeting realising that there was life after breast cancer.

I had successful mastectomy surgery on October 19, 2004 followed by five years of tamoxifen. The support of my family was critical in enabling me to cope with my body changes and restoring my self-confidence.

As a consequence of my own experience, I am now actively involved with the Jamaica Reach to Recovery group and take every opportunity to offer counsel and support to breast-cancer survivors.

Breasts are an important part of the female anatomy; however, breasts do not make a woman.

Carolind Graham is the chairperson of Jamaica Reach to Recovery