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Breast Cancer in the first person!

On February 27, 2017, I went to a Senology appointment where I received the news that I had aggressive breast cancer, a triple negative with KI-67 positive in almost 100% of the neoplastic cells (Right Breast - BI RADS 6), in situ.

I had been followed by a Senologist (breast doctor) since 2014, when I had surgery on my left breast to remove a benign lump.

I had had annual MRI scans since then. On the last one I was asked to wait that the doctor wanted to talk to me. The next day I went for a biopsy to get the prognosis described above.

From one moment to another my world came crashing down. I was about to be able to move into the apartment I had bought the summer before and go to work at the National Library, something I had longed for.

Then I heard that I was going to have a mastectomy, I was going to have surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, lose my hair, and I didn't know if I was going to survive. That I could wear scarves or a wig. At one point I couldn't even hear half of it.

Fortunately, I didn't have to have a mastectomy, removal of the sentinel node and a tumorectomy (removal of the tumor), followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, many injections in my belly, mezines, family care, faith, and a good dose of resilience, were enough to stop the little bastard.

My oncologist said it was profoundly serious and aggressive and that he had never seen a case with KI-67 in almost 100% of the neoplastic cells. I replied with my usual sense of humor, which is because you have never met a pioneer.

My case could not be easy. My life story is full of major trials.

It was an exceedingly difficult year. I died, only to be born again. In fact, for me B.C. and A.D., mean life before and after cancer.

Five years later, I can talk normally about this subject. I will elaborate on this idea on 10/28/2022 here on the blog.

Everything about me and my life has completely changed. My priorities are different.

I was able to move into my apartment in February 2018, which is 1 year later than planned. And although I managed to progress professionally and become a Senior Technician, I was not able to go to work for the National Library, however, I had the honor of seeing my books being listed in the catalogs of that Library.

I continue to be followed by an Oncologist and a Senologist. I refuse to be afraid of dying, because I know that I must live the best life I can and enjoy every moment.

I am telling my story here because we are in the month of "Pink October" and I know that my testimony can be particularly useful for those who are going through the disease, for those who have been through it, and for the families who suffer as much or more than the patient (the caregivers).

I leave here some links to poems I wrote when I was fighting my fight:

18/07/2017 The traits that define my face

4/10/2017 The truth about cancer

9/10/2017 When I die

18/10/2017 Fashionable disease

14/11/2017 Naked Body

I have chosen only five poems, there are, on the blog, many more, from the date of my diagnosis and throughout the year 2017.

For those who want to contact me, I leave here my email: poesiasdanono@gmail.com

I return with a new article here on the Poesias da Nonô blog next Friday, available from 6am, I hope I can count on you. Until then I will be daily, on social media:  Facebook  Instagram Twitter  Pinterest since inspiring people is my mission!

On Fridays I also usually update YouTube, TikTok with videos and an audio podcast on Spotify's Anchor .

If this article was helpful or inspiring in any way, I appreciate you sharing so that more people can be inspired.

I say goodbye with our usual greeting "bye bye"!

M.ª Leonor Costa (Poesias da Nonô)