Post by: Magnolia
Date: 06/01/2023
Cancer! When you hear this word, the first thing that comes to mind is a death sentence. It is a matter of time and your life will be cut short. That is what I felt and experienced when I was first diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.
Once diagnosed with Cancer, I was filled with a sense of dread and hopelessness. I felt like a clock was ticking and my life would be cut short because I felt Cancer was a death sentence to me.
Year: 2009
Thyroid Cancer
In 2009, while I was undergoing treatment for Hyperthyroidism, my endocrinologist also detected a lump or bump on my neck. I was informed that I needed a biopsy to identify what it was, and in this journey that many aspects of my life were completely altered; so many things changed in my life, slowly, little by little, when it was confirmed to be cancer.
Year: 2017
Breast Cancer
In 2017, the cancer returned and this time it was in the ductal part of the breast. I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time.
Year: 2020
Ovarian Cancer
In 2020 the next blow and the third setback for me was the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and it looks like my struggles with the disease are far from over.
I was determined not to let this situation determine my life and was motivated to find ways to live in good health. I had faith in my doctors and their suggested treatments and didn’t let this diagnosis define me. I went through many emotions and treatments, including ultrasounds, MRI’s, scans, and radiation therapy. It took a toll on my body, as well as my mental and emotional energy. There were days I just wanted to give up, and there were days I felt like fighting for my life. The biggest struggle for me was managing the mental side of things. It is probably one of life’s biggest challenges, accepting, understanding, and embracing a new reality. I had to trust my body and understand when and how to ask for help. I had to learn to let go of the things I could not control, developing patience instead of getting frustrated. I learned to enjoy moments that I once took for granted. The days I could move on, feeling a sense of accomplishment and joy. Even on bad days, I accepted that this was part of the process and continued to look for the silver linings.
I must accept that this diseases has no cure, only prevention.