Dear reader(s),
my name is Klara, a 33-year-old woman today. In 2020, I embarked on a journey to combat breast cancer. Sometimes, life showers us with rain to help us cherish the sunshine and uncover our inner resilience. Through this narrative, I invite you to step into my world, where I’ll share both the highs and lows, exposing my vulnerabilities alongside my strengths. Together, let’s create a space where words serve as a soothing balm for those still navigating their own journey.
No one can truly prepare for the storm of a cancer diagnosis, but within its tumult, I discovered a reservoir of inner strength. Join me on the path of battle and healing, encountering a myriad of emotions and challenges along the way. And who knows, perhaps this journey will one day inspire a movie (just kidding!).
I’m immensely grateful for each of you, for being a part of my story.
With courage and love,
Klara
September 29, 2020 – The day cancer entered my life
It feels like yesterday when I was sitting with a white envelope in the corridor of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. I was 29 years old at the time, with my daughters Sara and Maša eagerly awaiting my return home. But let’s rewind to the beginning; my story didn’t commence on the day of my diagnosis, but rather earlier.
In March 2020, my world was shaken to its core when I learned of my mother’s battle with breast cancer. It was a seismic shock for us all. The doctors did not give us good news upon my mom’s diagnosis. The prognosis was very poor; the cancer had already metastasized to other organs, and hope seemed faint. Despite nearly a month of hospitalization, little improvement was seen, and the palliative care became our next point of contact, offering options for pain relief.
However, my own confrontation with cancer began shortly after my mother’s diagnosis. On April 26, 2020, while showering, I detected a lump. It was several months after giving birth to my second daughter and I was still breastfeeding her. My initial disbelief echoed, “No, it can’t be possible that I’m facing cancer too.” Within the same week, my general practitioner referred me for a breast examination. By May 6, I found myself undergoing first BREAST BIOPSY, with results suggesting no concerns regarding my lactating breast.
The advice I received was to undergo another ultrasound in a year’s time. However, come September, upon cessation of breastfeeding, the lump had noticeably enlarged. Seeking guidance once more, I turned to my general practitioner, who promptly arranged for another biopsy, this time utilizing ultrasound guidance. My apprehension heightened as I found myself swiftly scheduled for an appointment with a surgeon at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, followed by immediate X-rays the subsequent day.
On September 29, 2020, I sat outside Clinic 12 with a large white envelope in my hands, awaiting for my name to be called over the intercom. The Covid-19 situation at that time dictated strict rules, barring anyone from accompanying me. A total stranger, Mrs. Mojca from Kamnik, kept me company in the waiting room, and our conversation provided a brief respite. In those moments, it felt as though my mother stood beside me, offering silent reassurance. However, reality soon shattered that illusion. The surgeon delivered the diagnosis – triple-negative breast cancer.
Receiving the diagnosis shattered my world. The information felt like distant whispers, impossible to grasp. Countless questions flooded my mind … Would I survive? Would I be okay? How do I break the news to my mother, already battling a similar diagnosis? How do I tell my brother? How do I inform my employer that my return from maternity leave would segue into sick leave? Though answers eluded me, I knew I had to confront these uncertainties. My family awaited my call, hopeful for good news. Stepping out of the clinic, tears streamed down my face like a child’s. Amidst my despair, a volunteer approached, offering a comforting embrace that seemed to last an eternity. It granted me the solace and strength I desperately needed.
I shared the diagnosis with my brother first, who responded with unwavering optimism, assuring me of a positive outcome. Calls to other family members followed, yet the most daunting task was informing my mother. I grappled with conveying hope amidst despair, settling on the words, “Well, Mom, now we’ll navigate the Institute of Oncology journey together.” Her disbelief was palpable. Reflecting on that moment, I’m grateful for the distance afforded by the phone; facing her in person would have been unimaginable. Following the diagnosis, a series of additional examinations awaited me that same day …
To be continued.
