Sylvia Diaz, a vivacious and dedicated pre-school teacher, wife, and mother of two beautiful girls, was living her best life until she discovered a lump under her left breast in 2020. Although cancer was the last thing on her mind, the unbearable pain drove her to visit her local health centre. Upon examination, the lump was found to be suspicious and Diaz was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for a biopsy.
The biopsy revealed what the health centre workers had suspected; Diaz was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was just about to enter the second stage of the cancer when it was detected, so the doctors wasted no time in having her do a mastectomy. In addition to having her left breast removed, Diaz said, 33 lymph nodes were removed from her arm. Later, she underwent seven rounds of chemotherapy treatment. These were followed by 33 radiation sessions.
To say that the diagnosis was overwhelming and scary for Diaz would be an understatement. Already stressed out and in immense pain, she said, the chemotherapy and radiation therapy were tough. The chemotherapy, in particular, took its toll as she lost hair from every part of her body and the taste in her mouth turned bitter. Added to this, she related that her urine emitted a strange scent like that of old rust.
Diaz recalled at one point during chemotherapy, “When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t see myself; it was like someone else was looking back at me.”
Nevertheless, she was determined not to let the disease define her life. Cancer, she said, not only takes a toll on you physically but mentally as well. As such, one has to fight a mental battle to remain strong. “Fight, you have to fight, not for anybody else but for yourself,” she stated.
Being diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of anxiety for Diaz, as she was counted among the vulnerable who were easily susceptible to contracting COVID. This only increased her stress levels.
“I fell into depression, and it was hard on my family… Honestly, I wasn’t coping well. I was afraid of death, fearful that I would be sick all the time and not get better, afraid that I couldn’t be there and take care of my family like I use to,” she related, while adding that at times she was even plagued with suicidal thoughts.
During her difficult time, Diaz’s family and friends rallied around her, giving her tremendous support and encouragement, especially her husband and children. Her husband, for instance, quit his job soon after she was diagnosed so that he could take care of her fully. Her eldest daughter, who was sitting her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations when Diaz began her chemo sessions, passed with flying colours. The now 41-year-old also noted that her youngest daughter would sing to her as her way of offering comfort.
“They supported me tremendously with every challenge and step of the way. I couldn’t have made it without them, especially my husband and children,” she noted.
Outside of her immediate family’s support, Diaz was also able to garner mental support from other cancer fighters around her. She made mention of three in particular who impacted her tremendously. One of the three women, she recalled, would call and pray with her even though she herself was suffering. Unfortunately, Sylvia’s three friends lost the battle to the dreadful disease, and even though it devastated her, their contribution to her life during her difficult time helped her to hold on.
Having completed her radiation therapy, Diaz reached out to the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF), a non-profit organisation that provides support for cancer survivors. The foundation’s support group, of which she is now a member, was a great source of comfort for her, giving her hope and courage to continue fighting.
Throughout her treatment, Diaz realised that her priorities had shifted. She spent much more time making beautiful memories (through lots of outdoor activities), cherishing her loved ones, and counting her blessings. She related that she learned to appreciate life more and not to take anything for granted.
Diaz’s message of hope for anyone who is currently battling breast or any type of cancer is to keep fighting and never give up. She noted that there will be setbacks, but it’s the comeback that counts.
Diaz’s story is a testimony to the fact that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Early detection and treatment are key, so she urges everyone to take their health seriously, practice self-examination, and get mammograms regularly. She also noted that, for those who have been diagnosed with cancer, the Oncology Department at the GPH offers free treatments and CT scans, and the service is excellent.
Though the cancer is gone completely, the Campbellville resident is a triple-negative patient. This means that at any time the cancer could return and as such she has to undergo regular CT scans. Nonetheless, Diaz remains optimistic that she will prevail and live to a ripe old age, cancer-free.
An avid outdoors woman, one of Diaz’s dreams is to own an RV Camper so that she could tour around and camp in different parts of Guyana with her loved ones.
She would also love to see more cancer patients fighting this disease instead of throwing in the towel, no matter how difficult it is.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is the presence of strange lumps or thickening that feel different from other breast tissue. Other symptoms include changes in the size or shape of the breast, dimples or dents, inverted nipples, flaking or peeling of the dark area surrounding the nipples, and redness or pitting of the skin of the breast, much like the skin of an orange.
It is essential for women to conduct self-examinations regularly and schedule mammograms or clinical breast examinations to ensure early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October, and during this time the GCF hosts various activities. The GCF is a reliable non-profit organisation where those who have been diagnosed with cancer or know someone fighting the disease can seek help and support.
The organisation is located at 351 East Street, North Cummingsburg. Bibi Hassan, the director, is available at 618-2085 for any inquiries.
Breast cancer is a common disease affecting millions of women around the world. It is the second most diagnosed disease after skin cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although it is more prevalent in women, breast cancer can also occur in men.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month globally, but for those living with the disease, every day, month, and year is an ongoing battle. In an effort to motivate those who are currently fighting the disease and to bring awareness to those who are oblivious to it, Stabroek News has been interviewing cancer survivors and breast cancer overcomers.
