My two-year battle with breast cancer horrible — 27-year-old lady

Onome Onoyere, a 27-year-old lady who has been battling breast cancer for two years, shares her experience with the ailment with AJIBADE OMAPE

Can you share your experiences and memories from your childhood?

My name is Onome Onoyere. I was born on February 10th, 1997. I am from Udu Local Government in Warri, Delta State, and I am the first child with five siblings. I had my primary and secondary education in Warri as well. I did not further my education because there was no money, and my mum, who was sponsoring us with her provisions and foodstuff business, passed away. I had my primary and secondary school at Alaja in Udu Local Government Area in Warri.

According to a video posted on X, you have been battling breast cancer for two years. Could you share with us how you were diagnosed and your journey in the treatment and management of the health condition?

The breast cancer started around late November 2022 when I found a lump in my right breast. At the time, I was not feeling any pain in my breast. There were no signs that I had cancerous cells in my body. So, I went to the hospital, and I was told by the doctor to go and run a test. So, when I ran the test, the results came out, and the doctors said that they were suspicious of malignancy. So, my right breast was operated on, and the doctors removed a lump from my breast. I had the operation at Sunrise Hospital in Warri, Delta State. So after the operation, the doctor told me that they would run a test on the lump that was removed from my breast. This operation was done around the election time, which was March 2023, at Sunrise Hospitals in Warri. The doctors took the sample of the lump that was removed from my breast for a test. The test result came out around October.

Why did the test result take that long before it came out, and what did the result say?

Well, I have no idea why it took that long for the result to be out. I was so furious that the result came out late. In July, exactly four months after I was discharged after the operation, I went back to the hospital because of the pain I was feeling, and that was when the doctors decided to run a test on the lump that was removed from my breast. I was in shock and wondered why the doctors took that long. It was after then that the sample was taken to a laboratory for a test. The test result came out in October and was positive for cancer. The doctor then told me he would have to surgically remove the breast and place me on chemotherapy treatment after that, but at that time, I had no money for chemotherapy, and I had no money for the operation. The operation to remove the breast was to cost #250,000, and the chemotherapy was #150,000 for a session once in two weeks. I do not know why it took so long for the result to be out because I was told the result usually comes out in two weeks. I am sure that if they had done the test a few days after I was discharged, I would have known on time that I had breast cancer.

What were the initial signs or symptoms that led to your diagnosis, how have you been coping, and what is your plan going forward?

Honestly, there were no signs at all apart from the lump that I discovered in my right breast in 2022, and I had no pain at all. It was after that that I went to the hospital for a checkup. It has not been easy coping with the health issue. It is by the grace of God that I am surviving. I previously worked at a supermarket as a sales representative, but I can no longer work because of my condition. Initially, when I contacted my boss and told her about the condition, she gave me the sum of #40,000, but getting money has not been easy. The doctors didn’t provide any other solution to the illness apart from removing the breast. However, the problem is more now as they said the sore in my breast is already too big and that the cancer has spread from my breast to my liver. The only plan I have right now is to continue treatment, which is not easy.

How has breast cancer affected your daily life, relationships, and career aspirations?

It has affected me seriously. There is no money to eat or even take care of myself. I am currently living with my family because of this condition. I used to live alone in Warri, but there was no one to take care of me there. That’s why I am back at the family house. My mom has passed away, and my dad is old. My mother was the one supporting the family with her business, but she is no more. My aunts and uncles are aware of the situation, and they usually support me, but sometimes they yell at me when they have no money. But I understand that it is not their fault.

Living with breast cancer in Nigeria can sometimes involve facing societal stigma. Have you personally faced discrimination due to your diagnosis, and what strategies do you employ to stay resilient and optimistic during these tough times?

Well, my friends have been supporting me. Some of my friends stayed with me at the hospital and sent me money too. Since my operation and the time I started receiving treatment, my friends have never distanced themselves from me because of breast cancer. They have been supportive. My family too have supported me with all they have. I do not think any of the people I know have distanced themselves from me because of breast cancer. It is, however, not easy. Sometimes when I feel emotional, I call myself to order. I sit myself down, and I also pray that I will not die but live to proclaim the works of the Lord in the land of the living. I know God will help me.

What advice would you give to other young women facing a similar diagnosis or those who may be hesitant to seek medical attention for their symptoms?

I think it is important for women to go for regular medical check-ups and promptly see a doctor whenever they feel something is wrong with their bodies. And for women who have been diagnosed already, proper treatment is the solution. We must make sure we visit qualified hospitals for proper care.

Can you provide insights into the treatments you’ve undergone to combat breast cancer? What specific obstacles have you encountered during your treatment?

Yes, so I have been receiving blood every day for a while now. I have received a total of 10 pints of blood. I was not told how many pints of blood I would receive, but what I noticed was that whenever they gave me blood, they checked my PVC to determine if they needed to give me more pints of blood or not. I do not know much about it, but they said if the PVC was high enough, I would be discharged from the hospital. A pint of blood costs #27,000, and I have taken a total of 10 pints, so you can see that we have spent a lot, and we still need to spend more. I have also been taking antibiotics just as prescribed by the doctors, and the medication that the doctors are suggesting is costly. I need about N2m for pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery care. The name of the hospital I am currently using is TRYPHENA CLINIC AND HOSPITAL At Izomo Udu Road, Delta State. I was diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer with sepsis and severe anaemia, and the medication that the doctors are suggesting will kill the cancer cells and make them dry.

What role do you think awareness and education play in addressing the breast cancer challenge in our society?

I do not think there can be too much awareness of breast cancer. Women need to pay better attention to some signs that the body gives. Even in schools, the girl child needs to learn about breast cancer early so that they can be educated on the signs that should be considered when identifying breast cancer.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future?

I would love to go back to doing business. I cannot go back to the previous place I was working, but I would love to do something for myself again. However, my most important and immediate plan is to get money to take care of myself first.