PINKTOBER:
Medical attention at first lump detection can cure cancer: Survivor
Acancer survivor is calling on all women to seek medical attention as soon as they can feel a lump on their breasts. 60-year-old Susana Daurewa, from Lovoni Village on the island Ono-iLau, says cancer was curable if one seeks medical attention as soon as they can.
Mrs Daurewa is a breast cancer survivor. She had contracted breast cancer in 2009.
The mother of four boys said she felt a lump on her left breast on a Saturday afternoon in August, 2009. The next day she went to see a doctor at the Lautoka Hospital to seek medical advice.
“I was shocked when the doctor told me that they will treat me and take my breast away. My mind went everywhere thinking of my children,” Mrs Daurewa said.
“I told myself that I should be strong enough and I asked God to give me the strength to overcome all the fears,” she said.
She had her operation three months later, in November and her left breast was taken away. After her operation in November she went for chemotherapy for one year in December.
Ms Daurewa, a retired teacher, said she almost gave up following her chemotherapy in 2010.
The side effects were unbearable most times.
“I was continuously vomiting, had severe headaches and was always tired and weak. I told my husband that I was going to give up but he encouraged me to be strong and not quit,” she said.
“Today I’m taking part in the Pinktober awareness, advising women to take proactive action and visit the doctor as soon as they can to confirm their status.
“It’s now time to break the taboo and have this deadly disease shared with women and men.
“For us women once we experience lumps or any kind of signs that may lead to cancer, let us be levelheaded; don’t stand back - go to hospital straight away.” Ms Daurewa urges every woman not to be scared; this is what happens to most of the iTaukei women. “Many iTaukei women tend to ignore hospital and go for herbal medicine,” she said.
“We should follow the doctors’ instructions, and don’t refuse any treatment because your life is important. “Few women that we went together for check-up in 2009 didn’t followthe doctor’s instruction, and they have passed away.
“I thank the media for highlighting Pinktober every day through an article, a story and an event,” she said.
According to Mrs Daurewa, cancer is treatable only if you visit the doctor as soon as you find the lump.
“It’s best to discuss the details of your own treatment with your doctor, who will be familiar with your particular situation and type of cancer,” Ms Daurewa said.
She thanked her family and all those who supported her during her operation.