Petra Victor
Breast Cancer Survivor
On Friday, August 30, 2013, I discovered a lump in my left breast. It felt like the size and shape of a kidney bean. I was in shock and immediately started thinking the worst: that it was cancer and I was going to die just like my mother had died from breast cancer less than 2 years prior.
The very next day, after getting over the initial shock, I was determined to treat the matter like it was an emergency. I bypassed going to see my primary doctor. I made an appointment for a mammogram without a doctor's referral. This was immediately followed-up with a sonogram. The results were sent to my doctor, who referred me to a surgeon for further consultation. The surgeon said that it was not a cause for major concern, but he felt it was warranted to have the cyst surgically removed. The surgery was done on September 17, 2013. When I woke up from surgery, the doctor informed me that the lump was removed and biopsied, but the results were positive for cancer.
It took about 2 weeks for me to fully process the seriousness of what was happening. I underwent another surgery to clear the margins where the lump was located, as well as the lymph nodes. This second surgery was extremely painful, but the results indicated that the tissues were negative for cancer. The next step was to undergo 34 rounds of radiation therapy. I was relieved that chemotherapy was not recommended.
Radiation, which was done at the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute in St. Thomas, was tolerable. The biggest effect was severe fatigue. I was consistently sleepy, tired, weak, always out of energy, and had no desire or will to do much. My skin turned jet black in the treated area, and I had severe pain in my ribs. I lost 18 pounds during the entire ordeal. My doctor kept encouraging me to eat a lot to regain my weight because the effectiveness from the radiation treatment was heavily dependent on having a healthy body. I completed the last round of radiation therapy on December 24, 2013.
Subsequently, my treatment included daily oral medication of Tamoxifen for five years, along with regular blood work and checkups with the oncologist. The day before and the day of my visits to the doctor are always nerve wrecking. I get overwhelmed with anxiety and fear that the blood test results will show that cancer is back.
Overtime the journey became more manageable and routine, and I went along with my life enjoying quality time with my family and friends. My surgical scars were healed, and my skin regained its natural color. My anxiety, paranoia, and depression had also subsided. I spent a lot of time talking to others about the benefits of early detection.
This traumatic life-altering process inspired me to establish a non-profit organization in 2017, Ribbons for a Cure, Inc., to offer cancer outreach education, as well as emotional support for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Today, the organization also provides financial assistance for cancer treatment, and educational scholarships to students who were affected by cancer.
In 2021, while dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I went for a routine mammogram. Oddly I was asked to return for an ultrasound, and a biopsy. I did not think much of it at all until on October 1, 2021 the radiologist called with the unfortunate news of cancer in the again in the left breast, which was identified as a “new” cancer, and not a reoccurrence. Fortunately, due to early detection, the cancer was diagnosed at Stage 1. I was in disbelief and frustrated that I would have to go through another tough battle of treatment. This included multiple surgeries, ongoing oral medication, and hormone therapy.
Throughout both of my experiences with cancer, I was grateful for the support provided by Cancer Support VI. The financial obligations that one endures during cancer treatment can be overwhelming and stressful. However, Cancer Support VI’s intervention was timely and beneficial. The application process was simple, and the funding was released in short order. I am thankful to the staff and to everyone who has supported this worthwhile organization that has helped many cancer patients.
“Cancer has made me stronger. I have learned to focus on only the positive, do things that bring me the greatest joy, and remove myself from situations that could bring me down.”
Cancer has made me stronger. I have learned to focus on only the positive, do things that bring me the greatest joy, and remove myself from situations that could bring me down. I have embraced this philosophy because a joyful spirit leads to a healthy life. I exercise regularly and have adapted to a primarily plant-based diet. I have taken up quadrille dancing, because it is very therapeutic for me and keeps me smiling. I have also recently ventured into photography, another passion which brings me immense joy. I am grateful for all my blessings, and I intend to live my life doing the things that make me happy!