LIFE STORIES
Lakshmi V, India
A Journey of Strength and Courage
Lakshmi shares her experience of battling breast cancer, and how she went through the toughest times
Sharing my experience of facing breast cancer with strength, optimism, and courage. I have been cancer-free for 15 years now.I discovered a tiny lump on my right breast in 2005, when I was only 42 years old. My mammogram and ultrasound revealed that I ‘probably’ have cancer. I opted for lumpectomy because I am in fear. It became out that I had lymph node-involved triple-negative breast cancer. Based on doctors advise, I underwent a mastectomy for right breast.
After recovery from surgery, I visited the INDO-American Institute Research Center in Hyderabad for the chemotherapy treatment. I had 8 chemotherapy doses. It was both physically and mentally torture. Six months after finishing chemotherapy, I was assured there were no signs of cancer, but I was still encouraged to get a checkup every year to watch for relapses.
The subsequent three years were OK, but my third mammography (at age 45) revealed that the cancer had returned to my left breast. This knocked my confidence and morale, and I began to doubt my ability to defeat the cancer. I did, however, consent to a second lumpectomy based on my doctor’s advice and diagnosis. By God’s mercy, I seem to be cancer-free so far, but the annual exam story continues.
Because of all these experiences, I am certain that life is brief and that we cannot predict what we will encounter tomorrow. My supporting husband, son, daughter, mother, brother and sister helped me get through all of these trying times. Do not be afraid to ask your family and friends for support or to ask for help yourself. All breast cancer patients and survivors have my prayers and goodwill.
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