Women’s Wellness
‘I owe them my life’
IT was New Year’s Eve 2020, a mere three months before the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic – and I had to go for my annual mammogram. I took myself to Jackpersad & Partners Inc at Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital where I had done my previous mammogram, a year before.
The year before I had a lump, which was diagnosed as “fatty tissue” and there was no concerns at the time. Within a year, the lump had increased in size and was physically visible. When I entered Jackpersad & Partners Inc, I was met with friendly and patient staff at the front desk and this immediately made me feel comfortable. I was helped to a change room and then taken through for my mammogram. The lady was so thorough and requested that I have an ultrasound of the lump.
There I met Geraldine, the “ultrasound lady”, and the most compassionate and friendly person you could wish to be with in this situation. After much deliberation, she had said that the doctor was not 100% happy and they thought it best to do a biopsy, which I requested be done straight away.
They were so accommodating. The doctor and Geraldine were kind, gentle and she even held my hand through the biopsy. I got the results a few days later and they had found cancer. The most incredible part of this story is that they had insisted on a deep needle to check the very back of the breast tissue to ensure their test results were conclusive. Needless to say, that was where they found the cancer. If they had not been so conscientious and thorough in their examination, they would’ve been sure to have missed the cancer.
I owe them my life and have since seen Geraldine again for follow-up scans, shared hugs and a few happy tears. Following a double mastectomy, aggressive chemo and radiation, I am glad to report that I am clear of cancer and officially a cancer warrior.
Tracy Hardouin, a cancer warrior