INTERVIEW WITH "MARY X" :
A
CANCER SURVIVOR
Mary X is a five-year cancer survivor and a retired Nursing Assistance. She was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer
at fifty-one years. She underwent a
surgery at the Sangre Grande District Hospital and chemotherapy/radiation at
the St James Infirmary. She was kind
enough to answer some questions about her experiences with the disease.
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - How did you find out that you have breast cancer?
Mary X“One
day after having a shower, I examined my breast and discovered a lump that I
never noticed before. So the following day, I visited my family doctor where I
did a biopsy and ultrasound to confirm my diagnosis and the results came back
positive. I was extremely devastated.”
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - Did you have a family history of breast cancer?
Mary X“No. I am the first one in my family.”
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - How did you deal with your diagnosis?
Mary X“Firstly, I cried and cried. I just wanted to be by myself. I was so full
of fear thinking that I could have died from this dreadful disease. But with
great support from my daughter (my true pillar of strength) I then realized
only God was in control. He can make the
impossible, possible.”
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - How did your family react to the news?
“Well as I just stated that my daughter was my true pillar of strength
and the support from the rest of my family was just overwhelming. My daughter and my two grandchildren prayed
with me daily. I had a strong faith in
God because I believed that he would have cured my sickness.”
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - How did you manage to stay positive during the lowest moment of your
life?
Mary X“I just don’t know…I always ask myself – if my body will fight the cancer
or will it return? I work with other breast cancer survivors and we help each
other stay positive during our darkest moments. I also try to enjoy life to the
fullest – Last August, I visited my sister in the United States of America with
my entire family and I will be definitely going on a Caribbean Cruise in
February 2013.”
Arlene Joseph-Mahon - What would you like to tell others?
Mary X“I will begin by saying to do regular self examinations and get a
mammogram, change your attitude to life, live a healthy lifestyle, try to be
positive at all times, align yourselves to happy and positive-minded friends
and family who love you, focus on living. Early detection is very important, if
you feel uncomfortable; visit more than one doctor for the answers. Trust in
God, he will never fail, don’t lose faith in him, and lastly, remember to live
each day as if it were your last.”
By Arlene Joseph-Mahon
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