How ignoring lump in my breast, led to a devastating diagnosis

For many women battling breast cancer, or any other type of cancer, the journey is not just about surviving, but also adapting to profound physical changes. [iStockphoto]

For four years, Scholastica Gichuhi, 41, dismissed a lump in her left breast as harmless. But when it began oozing a foul discharge, she decided to seek medical attention, only to receive a devastating diagnosis.

Today, the mother of two bravely fights the chronic disease that has spread to her lungs, navigating the challenges of stigma, financial strain, and emotional turmoil with resilience, and a powerful message of acceptance and hope for fellow survivors.

“I vividly remember spotting a small lump in my breast that seemed insignificant. I did not see it as a big deal. However, years later, it started oozing a troubling discharge. Then during Cancer Awareness Month on October, I decided to visit a medical camp for checkup when medics saw the lump and advised that I proceed to a specialised facility,” Scholastica recounts.

“At the facility, they did some tests and I was told the lump was not cancer. I was assured that the lump would disappear soon, or I could remove it. I was happy to hear this, not knowing that there was more trouble waiting to knock at my door,” she adds.

Unexplained weight loss

Dr Catherine Nyongesa, a clinical/radiation oncologist says signs and symptoms for breast cancer vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but common signs, include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or swelling, especially in the breast, changes in bowel or bladder habits, skin changes such as moles or sores that don’t heal, persistent cough, and abnormal bleeding

For many women battling breast cancer, or any other type of cancer, the journey is not just about surviving, but also adapting to profound physical changes.

Scholastica went back home, believing all was well. She thought the lump would disappear by itself and life would continue as usual.

Years later, in 2022, she noticed discharge coming through her nipple forcing her to visit another health facility, where the lump was removed.

Medics promised to analyse the lump, and after three weeks, confirmed that Scholastica had stage four breast cancer, which had spread to her lungs.

According to Globocan 2018 statistics, the incidence of breast cancer in Kenya is estimated at 40.3 per 100,000, with a mortality rate of 17.8 per 100,000.  
The annual incidence of breast cancer in Kenya is about 12.5 per cent of new cancer cases, and the annual mortality is about 7.7 per cent of all cancer deaths.

In 2020, nearly 6,800 women were diagnosed, compared to about 5,985 just two years earlier. Unfortunately, the number of deaths is rising as well, with over 3,100 women losing their lives to breast cancer in 2020.

Regret delaying

Dr Nyongesa says breast cancer does not have a single, specific cause, but several factors can contribute to its development.

“It was a big shock to me and the entire family to learn about this. At first, I regretted taking too long until the condition reached stage four, but I comforted myself; everything has a reason, and being a born-again christian, no situation is permanent,” she narrates.

“What next after getting this disturbing news? Will I get cured and be completely okay? How will my life be? These were the kind of questions ringing in my mind, without ready answers,” Scholastica explains.

Immediately after Scholastica’s diagnosis, her life became miserable, ranging from stigma, to lack of enough finances to fir her medical needs. She had friends, but they all disappeared, and stress overwhelmed her. “I could hear people gossiping about my condition, others saying I’ll die soon. But I’m surviving, and no gossip can bring me down. I have a supportive family that I thank for bringing me this far,” she says.

Scholastica is proud to be a survivor of this tormenting condition, and each day, she wakes up, she appreciates God for another day.

Scholastica explains that since her diagnosisr, life has been rough. Chemotherapy sessions have been expensive, keeping in mind that her job does not pay well.

“I have gone through two years of chemotherapy. I am in my third year of maintenance and treatment. So far, so good; everything is alright as far as my health is concerned,” she says.

Dr Nyongesa says chemotherapy often leads to significant weight loss, forcing women to overhaul their wardrobes to accommodate their changing bodies. Clothes that once fit perfectly have to be swapped for loose, more comfortable ones.

“I have a message for survivors and people battling this condition: let’s remain positive, take medicine as prescribed, eat a balanced diet, and always avoid food with too much sugar. And remember this, cancer is not a death sentence, so don’t pity yourself, feel encouraged,” Scholastica explains.