The fight against breast cancer and all forms of cancer does not end in October

Oct 30, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

As we draw the curtains down on the month of October, a month that is used to create awareness on breast cancer and other types of cancer, I would like to share my experience with this dreaded disease. I don’t think we fully understand what it means to get a cancer diagnosis. A few years ago I went for my first breast examination. It was October and a neighbour encouraged me to attend a few seminars about the dreaded disease. I must say this experience was an emotional roller coaster for me. I met some of the most inspiring and brave women I have ever met. Some have fought and won the battle against breast cancer and some who were still fighting. After some thought and a lot of convincing, I finally decided to get the examination done. To say that I was nervous was an understatement. I was scared so much so that I could not sleep the night before the examination (felt like I was about to sit an examination). I was examined by the doctor who then said to me, “I think it would be best for you to have a breast ultrasound done.” I froze, I asked the usual questions anyone in my position would ask. The doctor went on to explain his findings to me and explained why I should get the ultrasound done. He told me, he found lumps. At least three he said. I was petrified. I remember seeing the faces of my girls and my mom flashed before my eyes. I have so much to live for. I did what I had to do. Long story short, at the end of it, a lumpectomy had to be done to determine whether the lumps were cancerous or not. Thankfully, the lumps were benign. It was not cancer.
I had the scare of my life and it breaks my heart to know that some women and men are not as fortunate as I have been. I can only imagine the heartbreak and fear these brave people face each day. I experienced just a mere fraction of what cancer patients face on a daily and it is an experience that has left an indelible impression on me and on my outlook on life. I went from being uncertain to being certain. There is nothing I want more than to live to see my little ones grow into adults and take up their rightful positions in life. I want to see my mom grow old and wrinkly and I want to be there for her, to hold her hand when she needs me. I am more appreciative of what I do have versus what I want to have. I have learned to be grateful and to be thankful for every day I am alive. I salute the wonderful women and men who wake up each day and fight against this deadly disease. I applaud your strength and your determination. Your determination to live and your zeal for life.
It is my hope that a cure will be found for cancer. No one chooses to have cancer and cancer does not discriminate. As we bring an end to the observances of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to remind persons that the fight against breast cancer and all forms of cancer does not end here. It is ongoing. We have to keep fighting and we must not stop supporting persons living with cancer and persons who have lost someone to cancer or is living through watching someone they love live with cancer. We must always keep them in our prayers. For those who are not sure whether to get examined or not, it is always better knowing than not knowing. Stay Safe!

Yours Faithfully,
I. Ram

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