Presentation: Under the Auspices of Lions Club of Castries
In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Day - 9th June 2022
“Fighting the Good Fight” - Journey through Cancer
Let me state from the outset that I am no cancer expert, I do not read up on everything that is published about breast cancer or any other cancer for that matter. I know what I need to know and there may still be something that I need to know that I don’t know. Some of us do so much research that we end up experiencing symptoms of some diseases without having contracted it. What I am doing here is simply sharing my personal experience with you, with the hope that you would learn something from my experience.
My concept of being a survivor is that I am here to speak with you. When it comes to Cancer there is always that unknown quantity. None of us know what’s going on in our bodies as we speak. My story began when sometime during the last quarter of 2013 I recognized that there was a lump in my right breast, which was later confirmed by a mammogram. Sometime prior I had seen a doctor who told me it was nothing to worry about.
When the Lions Club of Castries reached out to me to make this presentation I did not hesitate. Though it’s easier not to make such information public, I felt that if one woman or man through early detection could improve their quality of life this would be well worth it. Interesting two organisations contacted me on the same day. I was unable to say yes to the second because I travelled on that day.
At this point I need to say regular self examination is necessary. I know some of us have difficulty doing so. I too found it difficult to do, my eldest daughter insisted as it had been a regular practice of hers. It is important to know your body, you are the best person to recognize changes when they occur.
I must also say that because of early detection I did not need either radiation or chemotherapy before or after the mastectomies. I am ever so thankful for that. On both occasions I was put on hormone tablets Anazestrol the first time and Tamoxifen the second time, which I am still taking.
Self care is important and it should begin long before we experience any type of ill health. For my part I have not consumed meat or meat products for about 30 years. I have not used sugar in any hot beverage, that too for a number of years. Local fruit juices made at home for me are unsweetened. I always watch the sugar content on anything sweet I may choose to consume. Some of my friends said to me of all the people that could happen to you, you have been so careful. Yes, you may say you did all of this and yet you got it. What I will say is that my eating habits may be the reason why I am here to tell my story. Again, these are personal decisions we can make.
In November 2013 I had a lumpectomy on my right breast. In January 2014 when I went for my results the surgeon said there was something else on the mammogram that he needed to check and asked me to do an MRI. The MRI showed that there was another lump which seemed more aggressive than the first one. (DISC) I was not about to do another lumpectomy and agreed with the surgeon’s recommendation to do a full mastectomy. Which I did in January 2014. My recovery was good, I healed very well and was up and about in good time. By about 3 months I was ready to fit for a prosthetics and new bras. Following the surgery I was put on meds, anazesterol which I was told I would have to take daily for 5 years.
I took my meds as prescribed, followed some dietary restrictions, lots of vitamins, no sugar, no meat, no dairy, except a little cheese occasionally, the occasional small red wine, and lived a normal life with the support of my family and friends. I Did my regular medical check every 3 months, with good results. My life did not change. I went about my work, travel, socialising, etc as usual. Very few people knew I had a mastectomy.
Just when I was expecting to go off the Anazastrol, five years later in 2019 at one of my regular check ups I was diagnosed with a lump in the left breast by then I was told that it was another type of cancer. Invasive Breast Cancer (ILC or IDC). This time some lymph nodes were affected and were removed. That brought on another dimension that I did not have to deal with the first time. It requires wearing a compression sleeve and having regular lymph drainage sessions with a physiotherapist to minimise the risk of getting lymphedema. I try to do the drainage every 2 months to ensure that my arm does not swell. At the time of the surgery I was not told that All of these add to the costs of treatment.
Being on meds has its challenges also because most of them have side effects. I have been told the Tamoxifen I am on now can weaken my bones, affect my teeth and may cause issues with my joints, and may cause other types of cancer such as cervical cancer. To minimise the impact I had to have bone strengthening intravenous treatment, Adjuvant Zometa every 6 months. Initially the oncologist said I would have to do so for 5 years but when I attended in December 2021 I was told that this would be my last treatment as new research had shown that three years was sufficient. So far I have not experienced any of the named side effects.
After the second mastectomy a test was done Oncotype DX BREAST RECURRENCE SCORE TEST, to determine whether I needed radiation or chemotherapy. Thankfully I needed neither. This test cost between US$3,500.00 and US$5,000.00 and at the time was available only at one lab in California, so because the second one was hormone-receptor-positive, HER 2-negative I had to undergo the BRACA GENETIC PROFILE test, my daughters had to be tested and put on an early mammogram regime. This was to ensure that it was not genetic and that they were not at risk. This, particularly since I had experienced two different types of breast cancer.
Cancer treatment is expensive, surgery, chemo, radiation, medication, various tests, PET/CT scans, BRACA, lymph drainage, prosthesis, implants (optional), compression sleeves and socks particularly for purposes of travel, regular check ups including blood tests, intravenous treatment to strengthen bones, new bras, new swim suit etc. I know it is worse for those who have to undergo other types of treatment including the effect chemo and radiation can have on some people.
Be vigilant, particularly if there is a history of cancer in the family. Have you complete annual check ups, watch your stress levels, observe changes in your body. Get a second opinion when you think one is necessary, trust your intuition.
The jury seems to be still out on what you should eat or drink. I have had nutritionists say to me that I can eat anything. To make a decision in this regard I spoke with friends and associates who had gone through cancer treatment and could be considered survivors. I have opted not to follow the advice of the nutritionist and continue to watch what I eat. I have every reason to believe that sugar feeds cancer cells.
I think early detection is critical, yes a fighting spirit and a positive mindset is helpful but some of these cancers if not detected early can be like a “raging fire” as a doctor mentioned to me in the instance of my deceased husband. When I had the second surgery in 2019 he was worried about me and had not been diagnosed. In November of that year he was gone after being diagnosed in September with lung cancer, although he had not smoked for over 20 years.
I never asked why me, I accepted my body as it was. I also believe that my faith has seen me through. I do what I have to do when I have to do it. I have never felt sorry for myself. Losing my husband and a favourite cousin 4 years after as devastating as this was I was able to keep moving on. No one has a premium on what will happen, when it will happen but in the meantime I live a meaningful life doing what I love to do, my life’s work, valuing my children, grandchildren, friends and loved ones.
Whatever we can do to help ourselves we need to do, watch weight gain, exercise, remain hydrated, eat right, keep healthy. Watch what we feed our bodies and minds. Do not harbour self pity or negative thoughts. Listen to the experts but trust your intuition also, if you are not happy with what you are told get a second opinion.
Support both psychologically and financially is needed. There are two major organisations on the island doing the best they can with limited resources. St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer. They need volunteers and your financial support. Do whatever you can to assist.
I salute the women who are having a hard time managing this disease, particularly in the advanced stages. The challenges are many. Let us continue to learn coping strategies from each other. I implore you to make a difference whether it is for yourself or others.
I thank the Lions Club of Castries for the opportunity to share my story.
Thecla C. Deterville
THE END
