By Venessa Deosaran
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where numerous activities are held to sensitise the public on breast cancer and getting tested early. The Periwinkle Club is a cancer support group that knows the importance of this, as many of its members have survived cancer and are living healthy lives today.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, two breast cancer survivors relate their stories.
A former teacher in her 60s, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a member of the club and a breast cancer survivor; she recalls her experiences and the decision to remove of one of her breasts.
“I fell down from my bicycle and hit my right breast. I felt a lump and rubbed a pain reliever ointment hoping it would go away, but it didn’t. I decided to go to the doctor, who did a biopsy, and a specimen was taken. This was in July of 2010. I had a surgery towards the end of August and a specimen was taken. When the results came back in September, I had a mastectomy done on my right breast,” the survivor painfully reminisced. A mastectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts.
The retired teacher said she underwent chemotherapy at the Georgetown Public Hospital; it was the most emotional phase of her life. Her hair dropped off and her nails blackened. She was then sent to the Cancer Institute where the oncologist there recommended more chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiation, which helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
The last session of chemotherapy, she disclosed, was the worst because she became very ill and lost a lot of weight. The radiation damaged her lung, which left a lasting cough. Her right lung was shown white, an x-ray revealed. However, a recent x-tray showed her lung getting better, but the cough is still present.
Her left breast was also examined and calcification was found. Breast calcifications are calcium deposits within breast tissue. They appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram and are usually so small that you can’t feel them. They are not always cancerous but if calcifications are suspicious, further testing may be necessary, including additional mammograms with magnification views or a breast biopsy.
“The surgeon advised me to remove the other breast but I didn’t go back, I haven’t made up my mind for that. I have relatives who have cancer; some have died and only recently a male relative died of cancer. So for me I guess it is hereditary,” she stated.
Not only was her breast removed but also her lymph node in her right arm. The lymph node acts as filters or traps for foreign particles and are important in the proper functioning of the immune system. Two years after her mastectomy was done she started suffering from lymphedema, the swelling of her right arm. This is as a result of improper circulation due to the removal of her lymph node.
When all seemed lost, she persevered. The survivor said she has dealt with everything step by step. She wished it didn’t happen but it did and she was determined to endure it. She received much needed support from family and friends and also from the Periwinkle support group.
The breast cancer survivor encourages those who are currently going through what she has experienced, to seek out help from the club. Now she has defeated the breast cancer, her nails are normal and her hair has grown back.
She upkeeps a diet of no red meat, no alcohol and no smoking and she recently received her breast prostheses, a silicone gel in a plastic skin in breast form, to be worn as if she has a breast under her outfits.
“I have come through this by praying a lot and reading my bible regularly. One must have a good diet and exercise regularly. I still cope with the effects of my surgery, like numbness in my feet and hands. I’m thankful to be here alive today,” she said gratefully.
Annette’s story
Another exemplary breast cancer survivor of the Periwinkle Club is Annette Gooding, a retired nurse in her 70s. She had noticed a bloody spot on her night gown in 2002. Annette didn’t take the matter lightly and consulted a doctor who treated her for mastitis, an infection in the tissue of the breast.
“I wasn’t satisfied, and I was referred to another doctor. In December of 2002, specimens were sent to be tested for breast cancer. It was the longest wait in my life; it took three months. The test came back and I had breast cancer. In April of 2003, I had my first surgery and had my breast removed. I went through my chemotherapy. On Mother’s Day in 2003, my long, thick hair fell off and all I could’ve done was to cry. I had all information on what I was going to go through, and, having a medical background, this helped to ease some tension. Now I’m alright and I’m not worried. I do have distant relatives who have died of cancer but I have no immediate relatives with cancer, so I guess for me it is also hereditary. My advice is to get an early detection. Also, you can do breast self-examination for lumps,” Annette urges.
Periwinkle Club has a strong support group for those suffering from breast cancer. Currently they are trying to raise funds for the club’s activities and hope to have a tea party coming up next month. Annette noted they need donations of Pampers and other items to take to cancer patients when they are visiting them. For those who want to help, please call 226-7152 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 14:00 hours.
Periwinkle Club
The Periwinkle Club evolved out of the request for a cancer support group by a cancer survivor. In 2006, a study was conducted by two University of Guyana final year pharmacy students and Dr. Wallis Best-Plummer, to describe the characteristics of a group of Guyanese breast cancer patients (CHRC Montego Bay, Jamaica April 2007). Specific associated factors investigated were widely recognised risk factors for breast cancer previously identified through studies done with women of other cultures and backgrounds. In this process a group of 30 wonderful, courageous and ethnically diverse women from all walks of life shared their experiences with the research team.
The club is a cancer support group focused upon raising awareness among cancer survivors and members of the public about the risks of cancer, and offering approaches for coping with the disease.
The club collaborates with several local and international organizations to provide cancer survivors with support for diagnosis and treatment, as well as for nutritional and emotional wellbeing. The club also provides counselling services at “Donna’s Room”, and facilitates breast self-examination and cervical cancer screening for interested groups of persons.
Periwinkle is completely supported by fundraising and donations from individuals and other charitable organisations. The club welcomes as members, all persons interested in working to eradicate the stigma of cancer and create equality of treatment of cancer patients in Guyana.
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