Breast Cancer: Annette's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Annette Huber was 48 when she reflected on breast cancer that began years earlier with a lump in her right breast. At first, the path to diagnosis felt long and frustrating. She repeatedly sensed that something was wrong, but felt that her concerns were not fully heard. A planned operation for what was thought to be a cyst showed that the cyst was present, but a malignant tumor lay deeper in the breast. The cancer diagnosis after breast-conserving surgery hit her hard. She was 38 then, working full time, in a relationship, and raising a 12-year-old son. Treatment included chemotherapy and radiation. The radiation changed the texture of her breast, while chemotherapy caused hair and eyelash loss, bone pain, heart problems, and difficult mood swings. Warm baths helped the bone pain, anti-nausea drops eased sickness, and mistletoe therapy gave her a sense of positive direction. Her husband at the time and her mother supported her through appointments and recovery. When treatment ended, Annette suddenly felt alone because the daily medical contact disappeared. Gradually, she learned to use the time for herself again. She came to see the operation day as a second birthday. Fear remained in the background, but cancer also pushed her toward strength and choices she once would not have dared to make.