Their ordeal and courage offer hope as world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), Gulf News highlights the resilience and courage of four women, each finding their own way to cope and thrive in their journey, be it through art, family support, and unwavering determination. Their experiences highlight the importance of screening and early detection.
Empowered by faith
At 50, Filipino expat Joy Dumaguing Francisco faced a life-altering challenge after a mammogram done in January detected tumours in her left breast. Francisco was terrified because of a family history of breast cancer involving her mother and aunt. After consulting Dr Nahed Balalaa, a consultant breast surgeon at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, she learned her diagnosis was cancerous.
“God gives us trials and sufferings for us to be strong. I put my trust in my doctor,” Francisco said.
Joy Dumaguing Francisco
Her next big hurdle was accepting the need for a mastectomy. “I was in tears. Prayers helped overcome my anxieties.”
Referred for chemotherapy to Dr Dalia Elshourbagy, consultant medical oncologist, she underwent four cycles, enduring side effects like fatigue, nausea and mood swings. “It was a tough journey, but I overcame it with courage and a joyful spirit,” she said.
Transitioning into the maintenance phase, Dr Dalia said Francisco is undergoing treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence.
“Joy has good social and family support from her husband, who used to accompany her during each visit,” Dr Elshourbagy noted.
Source: Gulf News
