Stage II Breast Cancer: Martha's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Martha noticed a highly visible mass in her right breast and was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. She sought a second opinion from a more experienced doctor and also researched her options before deciding on treatment.

Following medical recommendations, Martha chose mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The decision initially left her angry, anxious, frightened, and discouraged. Treatment caused hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and weight fluctuations. She used prescribed medication to manage these effects.

Cancer also affected her finances. She could no longer work as she had before, and her income declined. She tried to eat more healthfully each day. Her greatest fear was not living long enough to see her only son succeed. Spiritual support and counselling from a psychologist at her cancer foundation helped her work through that fear.

Over time, Martha described feeling more thankful, confident, courageous, hopeful, and inspired. She wanted to travel with her son, continue serving other people, and keep living as fully as possible. Her message to others was not to give up and to remember the importance of family, faith, and support during treatment.