Lola Wanjiru, 24, is an oncology nurse at Aga Khan University Hospital
In September 2011, I enrolled for a nursing course at the Kenya Medical Training College in Nakuru and looked forward to learning all about the wonders of medicine. I have always had a calling to take care of the sick and was looking forward to a fulfilling journey in nursing school.
However, everything changed in October, 2013 when I noticed a lump in my breast. I ignored it, assuming that it was due to hormonal imbalances from my monthly period.
I put the lump issue at the back of my mind and continued with my academics until we were asked to participate in community screening for breast cancer. A female classmate insisted on checking me out as we waited for the camp to begin. I told her in advance that I had always had a lump but that it didn't bother me. But she insisted that I needed to have it checked urgently.
When I first received my test results, I was in my nursing students' uniform and the pathologist who handed them to me broke the news in a very cruel manner, assuming that I was collecting the results for someone else. He said 'Huyu patient amepatikana' (this patient has been caught out). I remember those piercing words like it was yesterday but the pathologist did not notice that it had affected me as I walked away.
"Amepatikana na nini (what has happened to me)?" I wondered as I stealthily opened the laboratory results. I found out that I had early stage breast cancer. I was angry. My legs froze and I couldn't walk back to class. How could I have breast cancer at 21 years? My life was just about to begin after nursing school. How could I have breast cancer? How was I holding results for a disease that was in my body yet I was the one who normally escorted patients for tests?
I went to the library because it was the most peaceful spot I could find and began crying. How could this happen to me? Later, I stepped out and called my mother but the words 'I have breast cancer' could not come from my mouth. I was in denial. I hung up. She returned my call immediately and when I shared the news she promised to tell the rest of the family as I underwent treatment.
The diagnosis saw me begin my treatment immediately under Prof Ronald Wasike at the Aga Khan University hospital where I underwent a single mastectomy of the left breast and later went through six chemotherapy sessions and 20 radiotherapy sessions.
Today, I work as an oncology nurse sharing my experiences with my patients and telling them that all is not lost. If I beat breast cancer, they can too. Besides the fulfillment I get from working as a nurse in the cancer ward, I am currently engaged to a wonderful man who understands and appreciates that at such a young age, I fought a beast and won.