By Abigail Headley
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a time where people take part in related activities to remember those who lost the battle, to show support to those who are currently fighting, or to celebrate with those who have overcome the dreaded disease. Every year, the Guyana Cancer Foundation hosts different activities in observance of the month. This year’s celebration has been dubbed “Pink Power”.
Stabroek News caught up with some breast cancer survivors who hope to inspire women who might have just been diagnosed and or motivate others to have breast exams and mammograms. Here is one of those stories:
Rehana Jagdeo was living a normal life, raising her two children and working as a nursing assistant/phlebotomist at Southern Medical Clinic (SMC) in Trinidad, when her life was turned upside down in May 2018 with a breast cancer diagnosis.
“I was 41 and was telling myself I am young it [the lump] can’t be cancer [but] it was,” she told Stabroek News.
Jagdeo knew that her battle with breast cancer would not be easy, but with her daughter by her side, she was ready to face the challenges head-on. At the time, her son was 15 and daughter was 18 years old.
The diagnosis was followed by a mastectomy (removal of her left breast) in July2018, then chemotherapy and radiation, all of which took a toll on her body and spirit. Being a single mother, Jagdeo struggled with her finances and daily chores. She lost all of her hair due to the treatments and was unable to take care of her children the way she used to.
She related that her journey was filled with emotions and challenges. However, determined not to let cancer define her, she took things one day at a time and leaned on her faith and support system.
“… Some days I cried. Some days I prayed even harder. Every day I begged the Lord not to take me, [from] my kids…,” she recalled.
Jagdeo said she received tremendous support from the SMC medical team, her amazing friends, and family who were pillars of strength for her. In addition to the support of her loved ones, she found solace in speaking with Patricia Teekasingh from the SMARA Cancer Support Group in Trinidad. Teekasingh’s advice and encouragement were instrumental in keeping Jagdeo’s spirits high, and, according to Jagdeo, she was an angel during her time of need.
After undergoing surgery and the tedious chemotherapy and radiology processes, Jagdeo’s prayers were answered – she overcame breast cancer. Her treatment lasted for nine gruelling months, but her unwavering spirit kept her going. Jagdeo urges women to get themselves checked no matter their age. When she found the lump, she thought it couldn’t be cancer because she was young. Even though the cancer was detected in its first stage, after the biopsy it reached stage three. If she had waited any longer, it could have been too late for her.
Jagdeo’s life has changed since being diagnosed with breast cancer. She is no longer employed and has had to endure a hysterectomy due to mild endometriosis. And, to make matters worse, she had a heart attack in 2021. Nevertheless, her spirit remains undaunted, and she focuses on being a strong, devoted mother even though her kids are grown.
Her advice to anyone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer is to stay strong and be reminded that “this too shall pass.” Her message to those currently fighting breast cancer is to be strong and fight hard because, ultimately, they are stronger than cancer. Despite the setbacks, Jagdeo’s determination and resilience are an inspiration to all who know her, and her unwavering faith and strength continue to motivate those around her.
Jagdeo took the opportunity to advise other women thus: “It’s always safe to get checked for any type of cancer. Do mammograms, do pap smears, eat healthy, [and] exercise. Sickness doesn’t have age, gender, or religion. Live, love, laugh, don’t hold grudges, [and] let go and let God. And family is everything, blood or not, family matters”.
In April of last year, Jagdeo did a routine CT scan and is still cancer-free. She is currently enrolled in the Oncology Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptom of breast cancer is strange lumps (or thickening that feels different from other tissue) in the breast. Other symptoms include dimples (or dents) in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, inverted nipples, flaking or peeling of the dark area surrounding the nipples, and redness or pitting of the skin of the breast (like the skin of an orange fruit).
Women are encouraged to do self-examinations for lumps in their breasts, to have mammograms or clinical breast examinations done to avoid late detection. Early detection and treatment are key to beating the disease.
For those who have been diagnosed or if anyone knows someone who is battling with breast cancer, the Guyana Cancer Foundation is available to lend support. This non-profit organisation is located at 351 East Street, North Cummingsburg, opposite to the GPH ambulance park. The director, Bibi Hassan, can be contacted on 618-2085.
