Breast Cancer Survivers - Success Stories

I am Geeta Toley a 65 yr. young and now leading happy retired life post cancer treatment.

Five yrs. Back I was detected with tumour in left breast which was diagnosed as cancer. As it can happen with anybody, I also had a shock of life. For a moment I also said Oh God!! But then remembered my mother who had already crossed 80 and had always been strong in any crisis; and said hey, this is not the end. I have so many things to do; and I never looked back.

Let me tell you something. It is but natural for anyone to feel shocked, frightened, scared and worried after knowing that she has cancer. It is the arduous regime of treatment that one has to go through, its severe side effects and also the fear of grave end. But with advancement in medical science, cancer of any part of the body can be treated well and the person can lead a near normal life. One more positive aspect of having breast cancer that I feel is, it is neither contagious nor infectious and hence can not affect anyone from family or friends. Once the affected area /tumour is treated and/or removed you can be free from the problem/condition.

For me initial shock of having cancer was there but not the fear. That also lasted for a second. My first thought was about my mother how she will take it. This was not very difficult as I have already said that she was always strong. During my treatment once she said that looking at you being so positive and energetic I gain strength to be with you. This statement made me more strong and positive. Positivity from within gives you strength to deal with any crisis successfully. Also it does not need much effort but your strong will to fight.

Actually family from my mother's side has a strong history of cancer. So my first step was to get my brothers tested for any remote possibility of being the carriers. If we take proper care of all such aspects.

Another thing I realized was that we can get actual (physical) and mental support from near and dear ones and also from most unexpected sources that we never think about. I got the support from my family, friends and the superiors in the office. They were with me during my treatment physically as well as mentally. Thanks to my family and relatives and friends my life was least disturbed and on office front, my colleagues and superiors gave me all the support so that I was able to give my services without much difficulty.

The crux of the whole thing is that positivity and strong will helps you in facing the situation effectively and successfully.

Now I will be completing 5 yrs in July post detection and total treatment plan. Yes I do have some discomfort but have accepted it as the doctors explained, barring that I am healthy and strong as I can be. I have also done some trekking just to test my ability and am happy that I could do it successfully.

I wish everyone to get all the strength to face the future.