LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Graduating after surviving breast cancer as a student
TO THE EDITOR:
At the end of July 2015, I noticed a small lump on my right breast and honestly, I was worried. None of my family had breast cancer, but this didn't mean that I might not get it.
After multiple tests, I had a biopsy taken in October. On Nov. 4, 2015, I received the shocking news.
“We're sorry but the tests came back positive.”
My world literally closed on me. I am a mother of twin-daughters, who were seven years old by then.
I was refereed to McLaren for a MRI. Dr. Sandra Howell informed me that I had four tumors that spread on the right breast. Pathology tests also indicated that I had Stage 2 breast cancer.
There was a 25 percent chance that I'd get cancer on my left breast. I was advised to go on with a single mastectomy.
I loved my body, I loved how I looked, and having to decide to go on with mastectomy was a relative death sentence.
I decided to get a double mastectomy. I was so scared to tell my parents that I had cancer, so I decided to tell two of my brothers. Once I was done, I would tell my parents and my sister.
When I woke up from surgery, I felt different. I cried. I was frustrated. I was depressed, and mad.
I received an email from my professor, Jeanne Chaffin. I wouldn't have survived without her support.
Once I got back home, I was so depressed, looked into myself in the mirror. I felt so incomplete. I didn't feel feminine anymore.
I was shocked when my kids told me that I don't need my breast to feel or look pretty.
“You are a great mom and you are pretty the way you are,” they said.
Their words helped me a lot in gaining my self-confidence. I had millions of thoughts running through my head, but I couldn’t give up. I needed to get my degree, and nothing, not even cancer, will ever stop me from achieving my dreams.
Here I am, alive, and graduating this semester.
I cut my long hair and donated it to Wigs for Kids. Those who knew about my cancer were very supportive, my professors were amazing and supported me tremendously.
I saw my oncologist, and was blessed to know that I only needed hormonal therapy.
I am blessed that I didn't listen to those who told me not to worry about the lump. I'm blessed that I found out about it early, and didn't allow cancer to break me. I am young. I am a mother. I am someone's idol.
I hope my story will empower other women. It is ok to be scared. It is OK to cry. Don’t ever let that beast beat you.
I am blessed for every single person who supported me. For those who wiped my tears and out a smile on my face. I am here now because of you.
To all the women who currently have or have had breast cancer: stay strong.
HALAH ALAJAJ
CMU Senior
Law & Economics
