My Battle with Breast Cancer: A 28-Year-Old's Journey

Gloria Udeze shares with AYOLAA OLASUPO how her struggle against breast cancer started in 2021, the obstacles she encountered during this journey, and the hope she discovered throughout her fight against the disease.

Where are you from?

I hail from Anambra State and pursued studies in Education and Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Could you describe the instance when you received your initial diagnosis of cancer?

In late February 2022, when I turned 25, I received news that I had cancer. That moment wasn’t calm as tears filled my eyes and despair took over me. I questioned God, “Is this due to some wrongdoing?” My thoughts were jumbled, leading me into depression.

I shed tears throughout the entire week until I came to realize that shedding more wouldn't fix anything. Consequently, I decided to visit a medical facility where I began receiving care. That particular day turned out to be the most difficult moment of my existence since being told I had cancer at such a young age—just 25 years old—was completely unexpected for me.

What were the symptoms or indications that prompted you to see a doctor prior to your diagnosis?

In early 2019, prior to my diagnosis, I discovered a lump in my breast. I promptly sought medical attention, and the doctors performed surgery to remove it. The pathology report indicated an abnormal fibrous condition. Although the surgical site eventually recovered, the initial area where the lump appeared seemed unchanged; it looked like nothing had been removed from that spot.

Was it breast cancer?

No, the doctor mentioned it was some form of abnormal tissue. It resembled a mass in the breast area. After the surgical incision had fully recovered, the bump reappeared exactly at the site where it had previously been excised.

In 2020, I returned to the hospital where they removed it for the second time. Upon testing, the doctor found out that it wasn’t related to cancer. However, this situation proved even more problematic as each removal resulted in recurrence, with the affected area growing larger than ever before.

In 2021, it resurfaced once more, and for the third time, I got rid of it. What I heard was that it wasn’t cancerous. However, in 2022, after my diagnosis, I needed to visit another hospital and consult with a surgeon.

The surgeon conducted a biopsy on me, which led to my diagnosis of breast cancer. I opted for another hospital due to the discomfort caused by the lump within my breast and persistent itchiness around the area.

My nipple entered as well, and the lump stopped being confined to just one area. There was another one near my armpit. That’s how things were before it was eventually diagnosed as breast cancer.

What treatments have you received since then?

Following my surgery in 2022, I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy within the same year; however, I opted out of radiation therapy. Post those six chemotherapy sessions, since I did not undergo radiation therapy nor finish all treatments, I was prescribed Tamoxifen as part of hormone therapy.

Therefore, the cancer returned. Radiotherapy was intended to be my final treatment option; however, I opted out of it neither due to financial constraints nor personal choice, as the physician failed to inform me about it.

When the relapse occurred, it had reached my lungs, so I resumed the treatment earlier this year. I’ve now completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and I am about to begin radiation therapy shortly.

Do you recall how many operations you've undergone?

I've undergone four surgical procedures altogether. The initial one was a significant operation, whereas the subsequent three were relatively minor.

How is your body reacting to the treatment up until now?

I'm reacting positively to the therapy. A recent computed tomography, also known as a CT scan, indicated that all of my internal organs are healthy. My kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs have been confirmed to be clear.

My body feels empty once more, yet I must continue with the radiation therapy as it plays a crucial role. This treatment is essential to prevent any relapse over the coming year or within the following six months.

Many individuals find undergoing chemotherapy to be quite demanding. What steps did you take to ready yourself psychologically for this experience?

Facing chemotherapy isn’t simple. Initially, after my cancer diagnosis, I lacked understanding of both the condition and the treatment process. However, once they injected me for the first time, everything became clear—this explained why so many people tried to avoid it.

Chemotherapy is an extremely rigorous and intense therapy. It induces various side effects lasting anywhere from five to six days or longer, with each person’s experience varying significantly.

Chemotherapy might force you to cease walking. It could simply confine you to a single spot, and potentially lead to frequent trips to the bathroom—upwards of 25 times. Additionally, you may experience vomiting along with bouts of constipation.

It can also put you into a depressive mindset, leading you to think 'I don’t want to go through this again; maybe dying would be better.' This could interfere with your mental well-being.

Any discussion of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy will likely impact your mental well-being. You must remain resilient and hold onto the belief that you aim to live rather than succumb to illness.

Given these adverse reactions, it indicates that the treatment is actively affecting your body. So ultimately, you will observe the outcome of the condition being addressed; however, this process will involve discomfort.

That’s why I didn’t get overly concerned, since ultimately, I could observe the outcomes. Despite witnessing these results, I understood that enduring hardship was necessary to fully realize their impact.

Were you also affected by hair loss?

Certainly, that is among the impacts of chemotherapy. Once you begin the treatment, it can cause your hair to fall out. This process occurs much like when you scald a chicken with hot water and subsequently remove the feathers.

When you sleep, you might discover upon waking that your hair has already been pulled out from your scalp. This is merely one of the side effects.

Do you recall how much you've expended on therapies?

I can’t specify an exact figure since my expenses have reached as high as ₦7 million or even ₦8 million, and they continue to rise. For this year, I am planning to spend an additional ₦1.2 million on radiotherapy.

In 2022, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I began expending significant funds. At one stage, I attempted using natural treatments, which unfortunately proved ineffective and even exacerbated the condition of my cancer. Prior to beginning chemotherapy, I initiated this alternative therapy. A subsequent CT scan revealed a tiny tumor in my lungs.

However, after trying the natural remedy and undergoing another CT scan, the cancer had advanced significantly in my lungs. This is why I stated that it had exacerbated my situation.

Do you think this is the toughest stage of your life so far?

Previously, I often questioned God, asking 'Why me? What did I do to deserve this?' However, at one point, I started understanding that everyone faces challenges in their lifetime. Whatever is meant for you will come your way eventually.

This is why I ceased doubting God. Even though it's incredibly challenging for someone my age, who should be focused on different matters, I find myself dealing with cancer instead. Ultimately, I attribute all the financial support enabling me to undergo this treatment to Him, and I can see encouraging progress as well.

I no longer dwell on having cancer; despite continuing my visits to the hospital, I firmly believe I am free from it now. My trust lies with God that this condition will not return. There’s no need for self-punishment through constant thoughts of illness or blame directed at Him.

Overthinking can lead to depression, which might exacerbate the cancer, so I prefer not to have any negative energy nearby.

Therefore, how has this influenced your perspective on life and possibly your relationships?

I developed cancer during my youth service year. As a result, I couldn't report to my main duty station. Instead, I stayed at home most of the time, primarily focusing on completing the required monthly clearances.

After finishing my National Youth Service Corps, I struggled to find employment as I remained in Anambra State living with my parents. I wasn't able to move elsewhere since I had to stay at home where family members could look after me.

I told myself that I couldn't work for someone and constantly seek approval each day just to go to the hospital for treatment, which would take up four or five days of my time before returning. No one was going to hire me under those conditions.

Therefore, I must stay at home and rely on others for financial support. When it comes to taking care of my own needs, I often feel disheartened because my medical treatments prevent me from working, which makes it difficult to manage stress due to being a cancer patient.

When doing a task, it should not induce stress since stress might lead to a relapse. In relation to my personal life, I don't believe my illness impacted my relationship, as the individual I was seeing before my diagnosis with breast cancer has always been very understanding and supportive.

How do you maintain your well-being these days?

I don't engage in much. I simply assist my sister at her store. My lack of activity stems from visiting the hospital nearly daily.

Was there ever a time when you wanted to quit?

Certainly, there were times when I wanted to quit, particularly during my chemotherapy sessions, as they began affecting me significantly. This phenomenon is known as "chemo brain," where chemotherapy interferes with cognitive functions and hormonal balance.

A person might sit somewhere feeling tears stream down their face, while internally struggling to articulate their emotions. In such moments, they could find themselves longing for numerous desires and contemplating giving up, hoping that doing so would bring an end to whatever distresses them.

Experiencing bodily discomfort throughout the day can be quite challenging to describe. This implies that it starts affecting your mind, causing you to dwell on nonsensical thoughts.

The sole motivation that provided me with resilience and kept me optimistic every time I went through such experiences was knowing that I would observe a favorable change in my body. For example, prior to undergoing chemotherapy, I detected a lump in my breast, which disappeared afterward and never returned.

It had a beneficial impact, which motivated me to use it once more, despite being aware that it would alter my mental state.

What strategies do you use to handle fear, anxiety, or doubt regarding what lies ahead?

The natural feelings of fear and anxiety are present. Often, I worry about experiencing another episode. However, I feel that living in constant dread isn’t necessary. I trust that I have a God who can remove all my troubles. Once the doctors declare me free from cancer, I firmly believe that I am truly cancer-free, and this hardship won’t persist.

The fear exists, and the resulting anxiety from this experience is normal, particularly since they would often say that pregnancy could cause the cancer to return.

I'm still young, and my desire is to marry and start a family. Therefore, the fear exists, but I trust that with God, nothing is impossible.

What has primarily helped you stay strong during this entire situation?

I'd attribute my resilience to God, who remains my pillar of support. While my family and most friends provide unwavering backing, their concern isn’t pity but genuine affection. To them, I’m simply another member without focusing on illness. This acceptance bolsters my resolve, allowing everyone around me to witness my perseverance. Hence, maintaining fortitude becomes essential for enduring these challenges.

Have you encountered any kind of stigma due to your medical situation?

When I make a new acquaintance and swap contact information, should I share something related to cancer on my social media profiles without holding back, they might respond with, "God will cure you," and our discussion could conclude right there.

Some of my friends have ceased communicating with me. I feel that those meant to remain in my life will do so, whereas others might depart. It's important to keep motivating yourself since, ultimately, regardless of whether we face serious illnesses like cancer or other life challenges, everyone may encounter such situations, and no one is exempt from this reality.

I developed cancer despite having no family history of it. However, once I received my diagnosis, I realized anyone could fall ill. So, I don’t fault those who ceased communicating with me.

Should those who ceased communicating with me choose to reach out tomorrow, I will reply since I've grown indifferent towards treating others poorly or causing harm.

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