Irene never thought that the diagnosis of breast cancer could affect her. None of the women in the family had suffered from it either. “I was surprised,” Irene says after the diagnosis on the TV3 talk show “Elephant in the Studio”.
“I was impressed by the stories. My friend and I went to exercise, and in one of the classes she said that her friend has cancer. I mean, crazy, she’s young. It was the first stage, she was cured.
When I felt [bumbulīti], became funny. I also read on the Internet that this does not necessarily mean that there is cancer right away, it is possible that it is all benign,” Irene says.
She immediately went to the doctor. An ultrasonography examination followed. “There was a fantastic doctor who said – I’m going to refer you because something is funny.” Went to one of the doctors they sent me to, who said I was fine ok, should come in half a year. The family doctor recommended a mammogram “just to be sure”. The doctor discovered that it was cancer after all.
“I am grateful to the doctors who dig deeper, talk to us and detect the disease in time,” says Irena.
In Latvia, almost half of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo a mastectomy, or partial or complete removal of one or both breasts. The doctor also suggested Irena to perform this operation. “I think I was a good patient. He said that unfortunately the breast has to be removed, and I asked – what are you going to do with the other one? He said it would be wise to remove it so the cancer doesn’t come back and you don’t have to think about it. We both agreed that this was the best solution.
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So I was about it, not knowing what it was like, what it meant, how it would feel, how I would live with it. In fact, at that moment it was not important to me at all, because it was important for me to get rid of something that could cause more terrible consequences,” says the businesswoman.
Many researchers consider this diagnosis to be one of the strongest stressors. It also takes a lot to accept yourself afterwards. “I realize what a difference it has made. I had to get used to it, because at first it’s different, in the sense that I don’t feel my breasts like that – I don’t have any grip on my breasts anymore.
Once upon a time I said – never artificial breasts. And here life forces or suggests, or it happens that way. I wear dresses with bare backs because now I can afford it. Basically, you have to accept yourself because it’s a change. I can’t feel my breasts, it’s a challenge, but at the same time, people have much bigger problems. It’s just breasts,” says Irene. In her case, the nipples could not be saved.
“I believe in science, I think we have cool and professional doctors who know what they are doing. It is important to look positively ahead. Getting yourself physically organized is easier than getting your head in order afterwards.
It’s cool for those who have children, because children are very inspiring. I have two daughters. It’s amazing how strong little children are! They say – fight, hold on, we are with you, we need you! It is very inspiring,” says the entrepreneur.
She encourages those who are suffering from cancer not to be afraid to ask those around them for help, because people are ready to help a lot, and also not to be afraid of those who are sick or have been sick with cancer. “They teach others to live, to appreciate the days, [uz dzīvi] look differently. Nothing in life happens without a reason. Life is about challenges, isn’t it?” that’s Irene.
If you also have experience or thoughts about what was said in the talk show, we invite you to share your opinion in the comments of this article. The purpose of the program is to increase tolerance and understanding in society.
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Tags: live mastectomy breasts story entrepreneur Irene Chippa
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