Stage I Breast Cancer: Kelly's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Kelly was 75 when Stage I breast cancer was found after she moved to a new area and registered with a new local GP. As part of that check-up process, she was recommended for a mammogram, which led to the diagnosis. She had also experienced pain, but the mammogram was the key step that found the cancer. The diagnosis was especially emotional because Kelly had lost both her brother and a close friend to cancer. She felt frightened, helpless, infuriated, fearful, and anxious. After diagnosis, she changed her diet completely, ate healthier every day, and stopped drinking alcohol. Her treatment followed her doctors' recommendations and included breast-conserving lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. She did not seek a second opinion. She also used CBD as an alternative or supportive approach. Kelly completed treatment, but continued medication to help keep the cancer in remission. Fatigue was difficult, and she managed it with bed rest. She also dealt with muscle and joint pain and weight loss, though she did not face major financial difficulty from treatment. Afterward, she kept up her diet changes and alcohol avoidance. She tried to take family trips with her children when possible, while continuing to live with fear of recurrence.