A common question I receive by friends on my IM list, be it on YM, MSN or G-Talk as my status box in all these three has been promoting support for breast cancer awareness. A little more than month ago my aunt was diagnosed with stage one of breast cancer, had a mastectomy and an anxilliary surgery to remove glands from her armpit, and is now undergoing radiotherapy. It has been two weeks and she has three more weeks to go before six sessions of chemotherapy.
As she waited for the results of the biopsy earlier, there was deep fear in her eyes and resignation on her face to accept the worst. She decided that her mum, my grandma was not to know about it. She chose to withheld the news from her son and daughter-in-law who are currently working in Japan. When the day came for the results, I called her. It was obvious over the phone that she had been crying. It was heart-wrenching to hear the devastation in her voice, yet she spoke words of assurance and strength. She would know what to do and how to manage and I was not to worry.
I asked around if anyone was to know what sort of diet she should be having to increase the chance of healing, as well as to lessen the side effects of chemotheraphy. My chiropractor's mum was kind enough to share the list of herbs and items that promote wellbeing while undergoing the treatments.
No family history of breast cancer in the family. No eating out. Every meal was homecooked. Good diet of moderate carbohydrates, proteins, and lots of fibres. No smoking, no alcohol, no late nights, moderate exercise with all the house chores (never had a maid and raised two kids) and walking to and from bus stands and train stations for work.
No family history of breast cancer in the family. No eating out. Every meal was homecooked. Good diet of moderate carbohydrates, proteins, and lots of fibres. No smoking, no alcohol, no late nights, moderate exercise with all the house chores (never had a maid and raised two kids) and walking to and from bus stands and train stations for work.
Many can say the dreaded disease chooses anyone it fancies but the good thing was that it was detected early and removed. The suspected culprit were late menopause and the hormone replacement pills which she had been consuming for the past seven years. Yes, women on HRT are at increased risk of getting breast cancer. This fact was not made known to her. The saddest part was her O&G failed to highlight that those pills were not to be consumed for more than five years.
Now, most important of all is healing through treatments, with faith that God will make her well. Changing to a less stressful lifestyle and take things slower. Eat less meat and take more dark-coloured vegetables and fruits. Staying strong and positive in mind, body and soul with the support of loved ones and friends. And sharing her story and helping to build the awareness of breast cancer prevention and cure.
Breast cancer affects one in every 19 women in Malaysia. Early detection increases the chances of cure. Don't take life for granted!
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