It’s a phone call no one ever wants to receive. A routine check-up leads to the diagnosis of something life-changing: breast cancer. For Sandra, it all started with a simple mammogram in 2006 that would alter the course of her life forever. What followed was a series of challenges, but also a journey of incredible strength, determination, and survival.
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Sandra had been living in Canada for 37 years, having built a life and career after moving here. She had already navigated the ups and downs of life, including the devastating downsizing at Bell Canada. However, nothing prepared her for what came next. In 2006, after being prompted by her doctor, Sandra had her first-ever mammogram. What seemed like a routine procedure turned into a shocking diagnosis: breast cancer.
At stage 1, with a 2.5 cm lump, her cancer was aggressive and required immediate action. The oncologist informed her that if the tumor wasn’t surgically removed within two weeks, it would continue to grow. The recommended treatment: a lumpectomy to excise the cancerous tissue.
The Fight Begins: Surgery and Chemotherapy
After undergoing surgery, Sandra thought the worst might be over. However, her doctor delivered more unsettling news: the cancer was aggressive enough that chemotherapy would be necessary. The idea of chemotherapy, with all its daunting side effects, was terrifying. Yet, Sandra was determined to fight.
The first round of chemotherapy, or “cocktails” as it’s referred to in the medical community, left Sandra feeling relatively normal for the first week. But then, the side effects hit—appetite loss, fatigue, and painful hives. By the time she reached the sixth chemotherapy session, her body was showing the effects of the toxic treatment, including hair loss, bone pain, and bleeding nails.
Despite these difficulties, Sandra faced the process with a remarkable attitude. She embraced the reality of losing her hair, even making light of it by shaving it off at a salon. With the support of her children and her faith, she managed to find humor in the midst of hardship.
The Toughest Battle: Bone Pain and Morphine
The most intense part of Sandra’s chemotherapy journey was the bone pain that followed the depletion of her white blood cells. It was excruciating—no blanket or warm comfort could alleviate the constant shivering. Seeking relief, she was prescribed morphine to help with the pain. Though the tiny dosage initially caused disturbing nightmares, the morphine ultimately provided the relief she desperately needed. The bone pain began to subside, and Sandra could finally see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Radiation: A New Challenge
Though the chemotherapy was over, Sandra’s battle was far from finished. The doctor informed her that because the cancer was so aggressive, she would need to undergo radiation therapy. It was yet another exhausting six-month journey, but Sandra kept pushing forward. The treatment itself was quick—a five-minute zap—but the effects were painful, leaving her with burns on her skin. Yet, as difficult as it was, she never lost hope.
A New Beginning
One year later, after completing both chemotherapy and radiation, Sandra returned to her oncologist for a final check-up. She was exhausted but filled with gratitude. “Thank you, God,” she says, “every day, I thank God that I’m alive.”
Today, Sandra is cancer-free and continues to embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey, though filled with pain and hardship, has shaped her into a survivor who knows the value of faith, family, and resilience. She credits her perseverance to her belief in God and the support of her loved ones, who stood by her through the darkest days.
Sandra’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, the strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact that a positive mindset can have in the face of adversity. While her battle with breast cancer was long and grueling, it ultimately led to a new chapter of life—one filled with gratitude, strength, and a deep appreciation for every new day.
If there’s one lesson Sandra wants to share with others facing similar battles, it’s this: “Never give up. Even when the road seems impossible, keep going. There’s always hope, and there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Sandra’s story is a testament to the strength that lies within us all, even when faced with life’s toughest challenges. If you’re struggling with your own health journey, remember that you are not alone. There is always support, and there is always hope.
