Kenya: Cancer Warrior – a bundle of joy in the midst of gloom



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by Karen Mbuya Muriuki

Lucky Ndanu was only 23 years old when she was diagnosed with bad cancer. The cancer warrior, the mother, the data badyst and the project manager, 33, talk about her trip to Nation.co.ke.

"I was diagnosed with bad cancer in February 2008, one year after having symptoms related to

In early 2007, I noticed a lump on my right bad, but I I did not think it was serious, I was only 22.

However, a few months after the end of my university studies, I started to feel certain symptoms which led me to consult a doctor.

The size grew and shifted every time I tried to trace it.

DIAGNOSTIC

Immediately after writing my last article in December 2007, I went to see a clinician who said that it was normal for young women to have bumps sometimes, but he still sent me for a mammogram to rule out any illness or medical condition.

My first consultation took place instead in a clinic, but I decided to transfer the results to another hospital. The doctor ordered a series of additional tests, including a biopsy.

When I returned for my results, the doctor insisted that I had to be accompanied by an adult. I wondered why he had insisted on it, while I participated in all the tests and all the appointments. And I did not think I was suffering from a serious illness.

Because of his insistence, I came back with my mother a few days later. I remember his face very well when the doctor said that the tests had confirmed my cancer. My mother broke down while I was only smiling

I did not understand what he had just said because I had never thought about the possibility of a cancer even during the tests.

smiling at my doctor, forgetting the weight of the diagnosis. The doctor took his time to explain the disease as well as the treatment options that I should consider.

He said that my cancer was receptive to hormones, which means that a lot of estrogen in my body triggered the disease. I had two options, either undergo a mastectomy and hormonal treatment for five years, or a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.

My doctor believed that I was in disavowal and immediately sent me to a counselor. 19659016] We fixed an appointment a week later so that he could consult other oncologists on the best treatment option. This week was also meant to help me accept the diagnosis, which was the case; as well as give me the opportunity to seek additional advice.

LOSE MY BREAST

At the next appointment, my doctor advised me to perform a mastectomy and hormonal treatment because the cancer was still in its infancy.

This option, I was told that it was also helpful in preventing the recurrence of cancer.

We went home to think about the council. The doctor asked us to take the shortest possible time to decide on the method of treatment to stop the spread of cancer

. It was a difficult time for my family. We had to choose a treatment option.

We consulted two family members, doctors, who advised us to seek a second opinion, which we did. The results were the same and the doctors we consulted also gave advice on mastectomy

. It took me a while to understand the idea of ​​losing a bad. But we had no other choice. It was that or I lost my life because of cancer.

The operation was scheduled and was carried out in May 2008, the year of my 23 years. After surgery, I was put on hormone therapy, which meant taking pills every day for five years. The drug came with side effects, including hot flashes, mood swings and general weakness. However, it was all worth it because I was given an irreproachable health afterwards.

It was a difficult time for me to accept the fact that I had cancer and that I was reorganizing my life to integrate into society after the loss of my chest.

It took a lot of energy. , prayer, encouragement and advice, but I managed to do it.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

After my surgery and my hormonal treatment, I had a positive experience. I got pregnant and I had a little girl, who is now a healthy, bubbly and intelligent five-year-old girl. My daughter is my miracle.

When I was undergoing treatment, my family took care of me and provided me with financial support. My mother was a super mother during my treatment, which affected her emotionally and financially. But her support never faltered and because of that, I never missed an appointment, took drugs, or felt lonely or unsupported. My extended family has also played an important role in supporting us financially and emotionally.

Sometimes the fear infiltrated under the effect of cancer, especially while I was badfeeding. I badfed my baby on one bad until the age of two. On several occasions, my bads became bumpy and painful. There was a time when bumps really scared me that I went to see my doctor. He diagnosed mastitis – an inflammation of the bad tissue due to an infection – and said that it was normal.

A surviving cancer made me aware of my body and became aware of any change. I participate in annual routine examinations since the end of treatment. My doctor is always on my abbreviated number in case I experience something

Routine screenings are very important for everyone. Women and girls should also learn to self-examine so they can quickly note any changes. "

Fact Box – Mayo Clinic

Mastitis – inflammation of the bad tissue can sometimes lead to infection, resulting in bad pain, swelling, heat, redness, fever and chills. lactating women

Estrogen – hormones produced by the body that help the development and maintenance of the woman's organs

Lumpectomy – surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the bad

Mastectomy – surgery to remove all bad tissue to treat or prevent bad cancer

The Cancer Warrior Story Series tells the story of cancer survivors [email protected]

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