Angelique was only 24 years old when she accidentally felt a lump in her breast while dressing after a shower. Although she did not feel any pain or other symptoms, she had a bad feeling because the lump was unexpectedly large, in the size of an egg. Only a few months before, she had undergone a preventive examination, where, according to her, the doctors told her that she was completely fine and that her previous benign lumps do not require concern, informs
A quick visit to the doctor and subsequent ultrasound brought devastating news – grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. It was the most common, but in her case a very aggressive form of breast cancer that spreads quickly. At the time of diagnosis, cancer had already affected her lymph nodes.
What was especially shocking was that Angelique had none a family history of cancer or genetic mutations that would explain the disease. “I didn’t have any other symptoms, but it just felt bad at the time,” she recalls the moment that changed her life.
Due to the need for immediate chemotherapy, Angelique had less than 24 hours to decide whether she wants to undergo the process egg collection already maintaining your fertility. As a 24-year-old, she had to urgently deal with the issue of motherhood, which she had not considered before. She ended up undergoing egg retrieval just before the grueling round of treatments that changed her body forever began.
Since her cancer was hormone positive, it was part of the treatment chemical menopause. For the young woman, it meant a sudden onset of symptoms that normally come decades later. “Being menopausal at 24 or 25…that in itself has side effects. I had bone pain, fatigue and constant nausea.” Angelique explains.
The treatment was relentless, Angelique graduated 16 rounds of chemotherapysubsequently radiotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor and nodes. The illness forced her to leave work and isolated her from the normal life of her peers. “Chemo left me very exhausted and I lost all my hair. Cancer changed me completely emotionally. It changed my view of myself, my self-confidence and my body image. It was extremely difficult.” admits over time.
Small joys helped her survive the most difficult moments – cooking, journaling and short walks. A key role was played by her family, partner and friends who made her laugh right during the infusions. Angelique emphasizes that exactly love of loved ones and communityas they are foundation for young women with cancer, helped her carry this heavy burden.
Although today Angelique is out of treatment, her fight is not quite over. She still takes medication to maintain her menopause and injections to protect her bones. However, the worst consequence remains fear for health. Every little pain makes her fear that the cancer has returned. Despite that he tries to live fully, travel and fulfill his dreams, which the disease temporarily interrupted.
