What happened, in summary

Barsha was 69 when she felt a suspicious lump in her left breast during an oil massage. She sensed that something was wrong and sought medical assessment. After being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, she obtained a second opinion from a more experienced doctor before committing to treatment.

Her care included a mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes and chemotherapy. Fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting made treatment difficult. The financial impact added another layer of stress: Barsha's family borrowed money from her provident fund and received help from relatives to cover costs.

The possibility of dying and leaving loved ones behind was her greatest fear. She did not feel that she had fully overcome it, but tried to remain patient and positive. Improving her diet and spending time with family helped her focus on what she could control.

By the time Barsha reflected on her journey, treatment had ended. She focused on survivorship, living in the present and spending time with loved ones. She encouraged other patients to research their options, ask questions, seek a treatment plan that fits their situation and advocate for themselves.