Kavitha*, 59 from Mumbai reiterates how appreciative she is that she went for a timely check-up. This is her story of how early detection of breast cancer through proactive screening prevented her from undergoing taxing treatment and an arduous journey with the disease.
Please tell us a bit about your condition. Can you describe it?
In 2011 during my annual check up I was diagnosed with calcification in my left breast. It was not immediately removed. There was no pain or any other symptoms suggesting malignancy, so it was just monitored for a year. I realised that it was playing at the back of my mind and every time closer to the date of check up I used to get very tense, wondering what they would find in the test. So I went to this doctor in a private hospital, and he asked me how stressed I was. I said, “it was there in the back of my mind and I was a bit tense”. He then advised removal of calcification through FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) to get the stress off my mind. From then on, every year mammography was made compulsory for me and that is how during the annual check up of 2021 during the mammography, I was detected with Stage 1 cancer in the right breast.
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 2021. It was stage 1 cancer in the right breast
What were the early symptoms? What made you go to a doctor?
There were no symptoms at all. The lump was detected in the routine Mammogram test which I did yearly due to the calcification and surgery in 2011.
What tests were done? How did the diagnosis come about?
Once a lump was detected in the Mammogram immediately a biopsy was done and the result was malignancy.
What was your reaction to the diagnosis? How and when did you break it to your family?
The moment the Radiologist said she suspected something and required to do a biopsy I knew it wouldn't be good news. So I was mentally prepared.
I had to wait 4-5 days for the report and as expected it was malignant. I had gone to collect the report and it was I who shared this with my husband and son.
What happened next? (specialist referral, course of treatment etc.)
In 2011 we had gone to an Oncologist who had removed the calcification. So in 2021 when i was diagnosed with breast cancer I went to the same doctor.
Right from the start he was positive, putting me at ease, and as the cancer turned out to be grade I, any advice on the fear factor associated with 'chemotherapy' was not required. Only radiation was advised post lumpectomy or surgery to remove the lump.
Before the lumpectomy was done, series of tests (CBC, lipid profile, blood sugar etc.) were advised including PET test.
Then on 29 Dec 2021 lumpectomy was done by the doctor and by God's grace it turned out that it had not spread to any lymph nodes. I remained in the hospital for 2 nights.
What medications are currently on?
Since early 2022 after the surgery, I am on Letrozole 2.5mg (to be taken once daily for 10 years), Osteocalcium tables to be taken daily. I am also advised Xgeva injection to be taken once a year.
Were there any side-effects of the medicines? If yes, how do you manage them?
The side effects that I am facing so far is weight gain which I try to keep under control with exercise and diet.
What kind of specialists (including Physio/ Occupational therapist/ Psychiatrist etc.) do you consult and how often?
I consult my Oncologist every 6 months and get a mammogram done compulsorily every year.
Do you have a family history of this condition? Is it an inherited disorder? Was genetic testing done?
Yes, my cousins from both my parent’s side had breast cancer. We haven't done genetic tests.
What changes have you made to your lifestyles because of this condition?
I was really lucky that my cancer was grade 1 which was caught early due to very early detection. As result I didn’t undergo any mental and emotional breakdown. Hence, I didn't have to make any major life changes. I just try to be positive in all situations and really grateful that I did a timely check up.
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with it all? Pls mention any specific times and issues that were difficult.
To be very honest I took everything positively and I ensured everything in my family life was normal and everything just didn't revolve around me alone.
Did you see a counselor for support? Were you offered counseling by your doctor?
No. It was not required.
How has your family supported you? Who has been your biggest support/companion through it all?
Both my husband and son were really very supportive. My closest friends were always there to ensure I was always in a happy and good frame of mind.
When did you break the news to your friends and distant relatives? How did they take it?
Before the surgery, I informed my relatives. Their initial reaction was that of shock but when they saw I was cool about it, they also were calm and supportive.
Did you inform your workplace? If yes, how did they handle it?
I did inform my boss who was supportive. My colleagues were informed gradually. I didn't see the need and also there was no compelling reason for me to make a big deal out of it
What is your present condition?
I am leading a very normal life now, taking the needed medication and getting regular check-ups done
What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
Please go in for regular check-ups especially if there is a family history. Breast cancer has good outcomes if the detection is done early.
With the help of supportive family and friends and a positive attitude and healthy life style everything can be handled.
What are you worried about for the future?
With positive attitude and faith in God I am pretty confident that I would be able to face anything in the future.
*Name changed on request
As told to Lata Chopra
