In January of last year, I received the life-altering news that I had breast cancer, mere months after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Being diagnosed with cancer is a monumental event in itself, but facing surgeries, consultations, and treatments in the midst of a global health crisis adds a layer of fear that is hard to describe. I am not alone in this struggle. The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, around 2.3 million women received breast cancer diagnoses worldwide, with nearly 255,000 cases in the United States alone in 2018. That’s a staggering number of women facing similar challenges.
When I got the call confirming that the lump I had found during a self-exam was a recurrence of breast cancer, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over me. This was not my first encounter with medical procedures and pink ribbons, but it was my first health battle during a pandemic. My initial oncologist warned me to brace myself for a challenging year ahead.
The anxiety associated with cancer is palpable, both in the short term and the long term. I found myself waiting anxiously for test results, surgery dates, and appointments with my new cancer care team. I quickly learned that most of my medical appointments would be solo, without the comforting presence of my husband or a loved one, as many hospitals restricted visitors. I also became acutely aware that undergoing chemotherapy would classify me as immunocompromised.
In films, women undergoing chemotherapy are often depicted surrounded by loved ones, basking in sunlight as they receive treatment. My reality was starkly different. I went through chemotherapy infusions alone, without my husband there to lighten the mood with bad jokes or offer a sip of water. While I am thankful for the attentive oncology nurses who provided me with blankets, pillows, and refreshments, it was no substitute for the emotional support of someone familiar by my side.
I attended every lab appointment, scan, consultation, surgery, and treatment by myself. Despite the debilitating effects of chemotherapy, I was gradually building my confidence.
Sarah’s Journey
Take the experience of Sarah Thompson, a thirty-five-year-old from Tennessee, who began her breast cancer journey just a month into the pandemic. Sarah discovered a lump in April 2020 and initially thought it was a clogged duct or a milk cyst since she was nursing her young child. Unfortunately, her follow-up appointment was postponed multiple times due to COVID-19, prompting her to seek help from her general practitioner, who ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. This led to the recommendation for a biopsy.
Adding to the stress, Sarah’s family lost their health insurance when her husband, who is immunocompromised, lost his job. She shared, “The hospital wouldn’t perform my biopsy until a new insurance policy was provided.” Securing Medicaid turned into an arduous task, compounded by pandemic-related delays. When she finally could proceed with her biopsy, the medical office was overwhelmed with patients catching up on missed screenings.
In late August, she received the news that she had breast cancer over the phone. By October, she had undergone a bilateral mastectomy with flat closure. Only her husband was allowed to accompany her to the hospital, where she was told to expect an overnight stay without visitors. Thankfully, due to low COVID numbers on her surgery date, her husband was permitted to stay by her side, though they had to make do with a room in the maternity ward.
This was only the beginning of a long road. Sarah’s cancer was diagnosed at stage 3, with an 88-millimeter tumor and twenty-two out of twenty-four lymph nodes testing positive. Just two weeks after her mastectomy, she had a chemo port implanted, followed by four cycles of intense chemotherapy, then thirty treatments of proton therapy. She is currently free of detectable disease.
Sarah’s experience mirrored my own in many ways. Out of her 94 cancer-related appointments, her husband could attend only five. They faced the emotional, financial, and physical repercussions of cancer treatment together, but largely alone due to their immunocompromised status. As a result, they couldn’t accept much outside help until caregivers were fully vaccinated. She recounted how their family celebrations were relegated to Zoom calls and how her husband juggled a night job collecting trash to care for their children during the day.
COVID-19 precautions are essential for cancer patients like us, as our weakened immune systems put us at heightened risk. Exposure to the virus can not only threaten our lives but also derail treatment plans. Sarah faced this reality firsthand when her child contracted COVID-19, causing her to miss a treatment session and delaying her chemotherapy by ten days. The missed appointment led to side effects like headaches and nausea, but she recognized it could have been far worse had it been a missed surgery or radiation treatment.
Both Sarah’s and my families were fortunate enough to witness the end of our treatments, albeit from a distance. As I rang the golden bell signifying my treatment completion, my family stood outside, holding up signs of support. They couldn’t hear my words or the sound of the bell, but they were present in spirit. I often wish they could have been by my side during those moments, but the necessity of protecting the medical staff and fellow patients was paramount.
Sarah wants others to know that even though she is currently cancer-free, the impact of breast cancer lingers. The reminders are ever-present, from physical scars to mental health struggles stemming from trauma. We both know that the journey continues long after treatment ends. As she put it, “Even if I’m fortunate enough to never face a recurrence, I will be fighting the effects of breast cancer for the rest of my life.”
The Ongoing Battle
Battling cancer during a pandemic is incredibly draining. When I hear those advocating for “freedom” without masks or vaccinations, I can’t help but think how fortunate they are to be healthy at this moment. Both Sarah and I understand what it’s like to sit among fellow cancer patients, aware that the choices made by others and the ongoing state of the pandemic can have life-or-death consequences for us.
For more information about navigating these challenging times, you can check out this related blog post. For those seeking resources on home insemination, Make a Mom is a trusted authority on the topic. Additionally, those looking for pregnancy and home insemination information can visit this excellent resource from the CDC.
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In summary, facing breast cancer during the pandemic brings unique challenges that amplify the emotional and physical toll of the disease. The isolation of treatment, the impact on family dynamics, and the constant reminders of the battle are felt deeply by those affected. Both Sarah’s and my experiences underline the resilience required to navigate this difficult journey.
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