Women share breast cancer journeys after initial misdiagnoses
- Beth was told her symptoms were anxiety rather than breast cancer.
- Gugu Dlamini was initially told her breast lump was likely minor.
- Dlamini navigated a double mastectomy and stage 4 diagnosis.
- Lauren Spiezia completed the NYC Marathon with visible mastectomy scars.
- Survivors urge women to prioritize health and advocate for testing.
Medical professionals have dismissed symptoms as anxiety or minor issues in cases involving Beth and Gugu Dlamini. A woman named Beth was told she was too young for breast cancer and that her symptoms related to anxiety, forcing her to push for further tests.
Gugu Dlamini faced a similar experience when her general practitioner dismissed a lump in her breast as a minor issue in April 2014.
Gugu Dlamini navigates a decade of cancer treatment
Gugu Dlamini, a 48-year-old resident of Krugersdorp, received her first breast cancer diagnosis in April 2014 at age 36. She underwent a double mastectomy and received size B breast implants as part of her treatment.
Doctors medically induced menopause in Dlamini at age 36. This caused side effects including thinning hair, dry skin, hot flushes, reduced libido, and vaginal dryness.
While Dlamini received chemotherapy and radiation for her initial diagnosis, her oncologist recommended a different regimen without chemotherapy for her 2022 stage 4 diagnosis. She adopted a holistic approach to her health for this second diagnosis. She focused on exercising, changing her diet, reducing her workload to manage stress, and exploring natural healing methods.
Survivor finds personal growth through family and resilience
Dlamini raised her two children, a 15-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son, as a single mother following her initial 2014 diagnosis. Her children have since grown into responsible adults.
During her cancer journey, Dlamini met her best friend, found a romantic partner, and got married. She learned she is resilient and capable of achieving her goals. Dlamini also realized it is acceptable to be vulnerable rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Survivors offer advice for those facing diagnosis
Dlamini lives with ongoing anxiety that her cancer could return or reappear in a more aggressive form. She describes her battle as a difficult chapter, stating, "This is a difficult chapter of my life but it is not the end of my story".
The survivor defines her current perspective on life as choosing to truly live, which includes appreciating daily moments such as laughing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She advises women to prioritize their own health and avoid delaying check-ups or tests out of fear.
For those newly diagnosed, survivors suggest it is acceptable to feel afraid, angry, confused, or overwhelmed. Patients do not need to pretend to be strong every day.
Community awareness efforts continue following awareness month
A breast cancer survivor in Springs shared her story of resilience and courage as Breast Cancer Awareness Month concluded. A breast cancer survivor in Springs shared her story of resilience and courage.
The American Cancer Society also hosted the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Utah" walk at America First Field on October 24.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I was told I had anxiety but it turned out to be breast cancer (bbc.co.uk)
- Voices: Your obsession with perfect rest could be backfiring (sltrib.com)
- Local woman’s testimony of strength (citizen.co.za)
- Woman Runs New York Marathon Topless After Breast Cancer—Then Reveals Why (newsweek.com)
- I Tried Docking My Phone for 14 Nights to See If It Improved My Early-Morning Anxiety (prevention.com)
- 5 plant-based solutions to modern-day ailments (greatbritishlife.co.uk)
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