I would like to share my story, in the hope that I can be an example to other women. My name is Cynthia Khan, I am 49 years old.

In April after a long day in the office I decided to go and soak in a nice hot bath. It suddenly struck me that I had not done a breast examination on myself in a long while. But at the back of my mind I said to myself that even if there is something it's probably just because I was having my monthly period. Anyway I did do a self exam and yes I found a lump.

I was unsure so I called out to my older daughter and niece to come to the bath, I hoped they would tell me I was imagining a lump. Unfortunately they both confirmed that there was indeed a lump. Straight away I knew something was not right. Saturday morning I was up early, got myself ready and went to the doctor. She examined me, and confirmed that yes there was a lump she was unsure of. She asked me to go for a mammogram, scan and chest x-ray. Being a Saturday, most places were closed, so I scheduled my tests for Monday afternoon. The mammogram and x-ray went smoothly, went to do the scan and the technician said she could not see a lump. I thought to myself, both the doctor and I surely could not be imagining this lump. I asked her to call someone more senior, which she gladly did. Within minutes he found the lump and was even able to measure it. At this stage he said it was 2.3cm in size. He asked me a brief family history, did anyone have breast cancer, etc. He then advised me to wait for my results and immediately go and see my doctor with the results. This is when my nightmare began.

I felt so drained, I didn't have the energy to go and face the doctor on my own. I decided I would go see the doctor the next day. I came home and broke down to my son Ian. We agreed that I would go to the doctor the next day. I never slept that night, I began to bargain with God. I asked him to give me one more chance, I am a single parent raising my children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I am not ready to die, not yet. Saw the doctor the next day she confirmed that there was a suspicious lump found that needed further investigation so she needed to refer me to a surgeon.

Appointment was scheduled for Friday, this was the longest week in my life. Saw the surgeon and he went through the results etc and suggested we do a biopsy but could only schedule me for the following Friday. Thankfully my medical aid would cover the full cost of this procedure. Another week to wait! It felt like I was dreaming, I went through moments of anger, fear, tears, I even questioned God, why me, my work is not done. Ick to the surgeon a week later and as I walked into his consultation room I felt very uneasy and on edge. When the surgeon asked me if I had come alone, I knew something was not ok. Anyway he confirmed my worst fears, I have breast cancer..... I broke down totally in his office. I felt that God had let me down. This surgeon is the loveliest person I had ever come across. He allowed me to cry, and express what I felt at that moment. I eventually composed myself and discussed my treatment options, being surgery, then possible chemo and radiotherapy.

I told him chemo was a no no and he advised that I see an oncologist to discuss treatment. I went to see my mums oncologist and he told me I would definitely need chemo and radiotherapy. But we needed to do the surgery first. It was agreed between the surgeon and the oncologist that I was a good candidate for a partial mastectomy because of the size of the tumor. Eventually surgery was scheduled for May. I had wanted to sort things out at work then boon for my surgery. In the meantime we needed to break the news to my dearest mum. My brother did that for me as my mum lived with him in Mutare. Mums words to me were, you are a soldier like me, you will be alright. In my mind I had planned to have surgery 2nd week of May, sadly my mum passed away on the 15th of May. I got in touch with my medical team and rescheduled my surgery to the 22nd of May.

Had my operation on the 23rd May 2018. 4 weeks later my surgeon signed me off to the oncologist. Further tests were done on what they removed and I was confirmed to have stage 2 breast cancer. Estrogen positive but progesterone negative which meant that I would need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and I will need to to go on to tamoxifen, this is a breast cancer drug, and I have to take it for 5 years, will then be retested and will see if I need the drug for another 5 years.

I have had 2 cycles of chemo of 8 cycles. My cycles are every 21 days. My 3rd will be on the 29th. So here I am. It's not an easy road, apart from the physical changes to my body, hair loss, hot flushes etc, there is the emotional and mental trauma to deal with. But I know no matter what my dearest mama walks with me. I am sharing this story to encourage anyone one else that maybe where I am right now, it's not easy but it's doable .. Walk with me . Please do the regular self checks and if there is anything you not sure of, seek immediate medical attention. Thank you for reading my story, I hope it will inspire someone on this page. Thank you form your support, encouragement and love -Cynthia