Breast Cancer: Angelika's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Angelika Keller was 64 at the time of her interview in June 2023. She was married, cared for her husband who had paraplegia, and had retired 2 years earlier than planned after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. She had felt no symptoms, so she was very surprised when she was contacted after mammography screening. The tumor was hidden, and further screening plus biopsy led to treatment with breast-conserving surgery and radiation. Angelika experienced the medical process as smooth and personal, helped by close care from her gynecologist, who was also a neighbor and familiar person. Rehabilitation gave her time to process what had happened. Conversations with a psychotherapist helped, and she continued psychotherapy at home. The sports program in rehabilitation strengthened the area around her breast, and she kept doing the exercises daily. Walking and cycling outdoors became important ways to feel balanced. Angelika also learned how to examine herself in addition to regular medical follow-up. The diagnosis made her more careful with her body and more aware of rest, death, and screening. Her adult children, friends, and other women from rehabilitation supported her. She tried to keep looking forward, while balancing her own needs with caring for her husband.