ENO ESSIEN

AGE DIAGNOSED 31

Finding Out And Diagnosis

It was at a point where everything was going well: life, family, and business. In August 2012, I went on a work trip to Port Harcourt, and just as I lay in bed to sleep in my hotel room, my hand went straight to the lump in that breast. I checked the second breast, but there was nothing there. I immediately called my mom, a retired nurse; she just dismissed it and said it was nothing. Sometime later that year, I went on a holiday and felt the need to see a breast specialist. I was scheduled for a breast ultrasound, and while at it, they requested I do a biopsy, and at that point, I knew something was wrong. I called my mom again, who assured me everything was okay and encouraged me to return to Nigeria. I did nothing for four months and then spoke with a surgeon in Lagos, who encouraged me to come in for a biopsy, which I did in March of 2013. He took out the lump, and I felt greatly relieved, not knowing that it was the beginning of a horrible journey. The results came out two weeks later, and I was told I had breast cancer. This information completely shattered my family and I to pieces, but today, ten years later, I am completely healed, completely whole, with nothing missing, nothing broken, and thriving to the glory of God alone.

My Cancer Diagnosis

The sample was taken to two different laboratories in Lagos, and I received two different results. At that point, my family and I decided to seek medical care in England. I was received by the breast surgeon, oncologist, and breast care nurses, and a series of tests were conducted, including an MRI, breast scans, blood tests, and a mammogram, and it was concluded that I indeed had breast cancer.

Thoughts And Feelings About My Cancer Diagnosis

At the time I got the diagnosis, I didn’t know people had survived cancer. It was such a scary moment. I had many anxious days and nights. I decided to use my faith and trust God. Throughout the process, I never googled anything about cancer, and I didn’t discuss it with anyone either. The reason is that I wanted my heart and mind guarded. I didn’t need any negativity. I instead searched my Bible for healing scriptures and fought the illness spiritually and medically. The breast care nurses were fantastic; I had the best family support.

My Treatment

My treatment included surgery: a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and tamoxifen, which I took every day for ten years.

Chemotherapy was horrible. I reacted so badly. I lost my hair, nails, and sense of taste, but I did not lose my joy.

I often say cancer makes me a happier person. I became intentional about living and doing so on my terms. The whole illness made me find my purpose and walk in my purpose.

Chemotherapy was horrible. I reacted so badly. I lost my hair, nails, and sense of taste, but I did not lose my joy.

Coping After Treatment

I am doing great. I am ten years cancer-free. The early years were a bit tough, but overall, I have done great and am trying as much as I can to live a normal life and fulfil my purpose.

I know people who fought this battle and are no