Breast Cancer: Siti's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Siti was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and completed that treatment course by the end of 2018. She then continued regular follow-up from 2019. Later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer again in the same breast but at a different location. Her doctors recommended surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and Siti says she accepted that plan. The second cancer was described as grade 3. Treatment and recovery created major financial and work pressures. Siti did not have insurance or savings and had recently started a new job, but she resigned because of the recovery and treatment process. Hair loss, appetite loss and weight changes were the side effects that affected her most, and she tried to manage them by eating better. She has also become more active and eats more healthily than before. Her biggest worry is that the cancer could return again, but she describes herself as thankful, courageous and hopeful and encourages other people with cancer not to give up.