" ABCDEFG ... A for APPLE , B for BALL, C for Cat ... "
With a delightful sense of confidence, young children around the world still sing the alphabet song or recite the ABC phonics with eager anticipation of happy adults applauding at the end. Yet, for some of us, the 3rd alphabet in this 'clever child claim' of a rhyme no longer carries an innocent association nor nuance of hope. It has interrupted the lives of many regardless of age, gender, skin, nationality and recognizes no social status or class. This alphabet now sits intimidatingly at the back of peoples' minds; those currently spared are very aware of its existence, just not knowing if or when it will surface in their lives. While those who have had close encounters and /or actual experiences, the 'C' echoes the vicious cycle of challenges faced in their life, one that had brutally invaded their home and robbed them of their sense of joy, peace and bliss. 'C' will forever be etched in their minds to mean a 'Confrontation' with the threat of the unknown, one that can end in the saddest journey unimaginable.
Crystal's (age 40s) journey began in 2015; it came in the form of a seemingly harmless itch. She thought nothing of it when it stopped. A week later, she experienced chest pains which she described in her own words to be "very scary pain; like heart attack feeling". The discomfort pushed her to set an appointment with her physician gynaecologist as her pap smear was also about two years overdue. Little did she expect that it was the prelude of a life-changing event for her (and still is today, in 2019). From the moment of the doctor's discovery of the 2 odd-shaped lumps in her breast, to the mammogram procedure, and followed by the radiologists consult, her thoughts circled the dreaded disease Cancer. The extra week of waiting for her doctor of choice (Prof. Dato' Dr Yip Cheng Har - who was away travelling), intensified her stressful thoughts. If she had taken precautionary steps back in 2012 to seek further medical advice after she had a tiny lump looked at by a hormonal doctor (non-medical field) would she be here? This question played over and over in her mind. An alternative medicine practitioner specializing in hormone-related disorders had checked her 'saved 24-hour urine' in a bag as instructed (i.e. literally collecting 24/7 pee) and passed off her complaints and symptoms to be hormonal cum stress issues, nothing serious. Unfortunately, this time around in 2015, the same cannot be said for the results; fate delivered a harsh and cruel blow.
She recently agreed to share her story publicly, and her reason was, "I have truly accepted my situation, all that is meant to be will be; I accept, acknowledge and surrender (to the universe and almighty). So, just let go of what has happened and will happen BUT focus on living life in the present moment". This is genuinely one brave, positively determined and grounded person who will stop at nothing to live life as best as she can and knows! Crystal recalls the date 2nd May 2015 with much clarity taking me through every detail; she and her supportive spouse were allowed into the physician's clinic early before opening hours, via the private back door. Under such circumstances, it was not a welcomed 'privilege' but almost an instant giveaway of an impending bleakness...
Patient and doctor (Prof Dato Dr Yip) met for the first time and very quickly exchanged formalities; they sat down in still silence, and without wasting a second, the fearful words came through in a steely stern tone "it's Cancer, 1.8 cm ... let's deal with it".
As harsh as it may sounds, her doctor was assuring and affirmative with a 'treatment plan' so it lifted her spirits somewhat. Still, it was just the beginning of the angst that is to come. With all tears shed, overcoming a roller-coaster of emotions, erratic adrenaline levels and a thousand and one 'just-in-case' provisions for anticipated fears, the next obstacle in the course was breaking the news to her children and family. Contrary to what most would think, Crystal took her time to decide on her treatment route, taking many factors into account from mortality rate, finances, rate of recurrence, lifestyle changes and long-term preventive/medical maintenance needs. She had a choice of the lumpectomy procedure or single mastectomy; as it was discovered at an early stage with the tumour size still under 3cm diameter (Stage 2 - estimated to be 3cm to 4cm), she opted for the former which costs approx. USD3,000 as compared to the latter at the price of USD6,000 (NOT including breast reconstruction). Her surgery took place two weeks after her birthday, and it was a successful, clean and clear demarcated removal of the tumour plus three lymph nodes; good news was it had not spread. Major adjustments followed immediately after, where over the next 30-days of follow-up treatment and recovery time, Crystal practised a very regimented lifestyle, almost ritualistic:
1. Waking early in the morning for healthy walks with a renewed appreciation for life
2. She lost 9-kilograms from a strict diet of no sugar, no processed food, minimal carbs (parboiled rice), steamed vegetables and fish, freshly squeezed fruit juices and water.
3. Post-op treatment included Radiation sessions (total of 20 sessions of radiation, 10 minutes each time) which would turn her skin area burning red and hot. She cleverly finds comfort in cooled raw cabbage leaves which she places on the affected area
4. Diligent with her daily dose of Tamoxifen (preventive medication used in diagnosed cases of Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in men and women; also as to prevent recurrence)
5. Practices calming chants and meditation in the evening to help her to maintain a positive outlook and remain focused. Finally followed by dinner and bedtime by 10-pm
Six months post-surgery, and with continued treatment of Tamoxifen, 'LIFE WAS BEGINNING TO BE NORMAL AGAIN'.
Every waking moment was greeted with a new sense of purpose and optimism. Still, it was not all smooth-sailing as wished. Just months into the treatment with Tamoxifen, unbearable, distressing side-effects began to surface; she experienced continuous itching, dryness, and overall discomfort throughout the day that severely affected her life to a point where even her sleep suffered. Given that the drug would contribute (mathematically) about 10% of the overall 95% mortality rate (as shared by Crystal), she felt confident to be weaned off it after consulting her doctor in 2016. Her quality of life improved slowly but surely with a new normal now. With regular scans every quarter, and then yearly, thankfully, three years had passed without so much as a sneeze and common cold. She was living life again with tenacity, having travelled more than 30 countries, her love for unique sights, sceneries, food and culture, is always a topic for exciting conversation as seen through her eyes. Coming back to the current, today in October 2019, as I look into her eyes, I see the start of another journey; not one of her thrilling travels, but one of woe and despair.
HER COUGH WAS RELENTLESS. It started just after her return from Europe in January this year. Thinking it was the common flu, Crystal tried simple home remedies and got a medical prescription too from the regular GP clinic. It improved, and then reoccured and trailed off again, but not quite entirely to her liking; it lingered like one of those 100-days-cough, so to speak.
(Part 2 - CLICK NOW)
RESOURCE LINKS:
Type of breast cancer - Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer
Uses and side-effects - Tamoxifen
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