It was in 2022 when Cara’s life, which she loved dearly, was turned upside down. She was healthy and had an active life, and even in the family, there was no history of Cancer, so when the doctors diagnosed her with stage 2, Grade 3 Ductal Carcinoma, it was a total shock. However, she discovered a lump around her right side, in her breast; the idea of having Cancer never crossed her mind. It all started in April when, for the first time, she had itching around her breast.
These symptoms were a clear indication of how something was going on, leading to a mammogram, which eventually made her get an immediate biopsy done. All that she feared was now reality. Right after the diagnosis was confirmed, she had to make three calls, each with great strength.
She did not know how she would be able to break the news to her mother, who was still on the journey to cope with her husband’s death that had happened seven months ago.
She called her mother, then her new boyfriend, and finally her boss; each one refused to accept the news immediately, as it was equally shocking to all. In 2021, Cara decided to move near her family, as her mother was having a tough time being surrounded by so much grief and sorrow of losing her partner of 51 years.
Now, Cara had officially embarked on her journey to fight the battle that would last at least a full year. The year after her diagnosis was all about chemotherapy sessions, a major surgery, constant radiation due to the scans, and immunotherapy. The good thing was how her boyfriend was sick of her, although he had recently become a part of her life, the way he was there holding hands through the tough chemo sessions, left notes in her chemo bags, cheered her up, and never failed to arrange date nights on good days. It was bliss. Being surrounded by good people is truly a blessing, and Cara was blessed.
Cara’s teenage daughter quietly took care of the things she could and of Cara. Her sister, nurses, and friends held her on days when the side effects got way too much to handle.
Cara was admitted to MD Anderson, and her care was exceptional every time she was admitted. Two weeks after her session, the tumour had significantly shrunk, and the treatment was working. Rather than giving up, Cara chose to fight the tumour with humour and positivity, as it eased her journey and reassured her loved ones that she was doing better than before.
Cara did not let the diagnosis completely take over her life and routine. She still chose to attend concerts, arrange weekend trips, go grocery shopping, and try sticking to her routine.
After countless restless days, one that covered her life with pain, she finally had her last immunotherapy round and got her port removed. Now, she can do things normally and is on her journey to regain her hair. Inspired by her daughter’s journey, her mother took a beautiful stop to volunteer at a cancer center, realizing how gently patients need to be cared for. Cara and her mother often sit together and talk about Cara’s dad; he wouldn’t be happy seeing her daughter in so much pain.
Unexpectedly, being diagnosed with Cancer was truly a test, but she is glad that through the love she was surrounded by and because of her support system, she was able to do it all. Cara looks forward to encouraging women to get their mammograms done so that detection can be done at the right time! Diagnosis at the right time can change everything!
