2 Time Breast Cancer Survivor Story in Hindi: "Despite having no history of breast cancer in the family, I had to face this serious disease twice." This is what Reena Peter, who has won the battle against breast cancer twice, has to say , who is spreading awareness and educating women who are battling this serious disease. Every year the month of October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in which awareness about breast cancer is increased among women, its early detection and treatment are promoted. Reena Peter is also one of those women who have defeated this serious disease not only once but twice and are becoming an inspiration for other women in today's time. So let's know how Reena Peter defeated breast cancer twice (Breast Cancer Survivor) and how she kept her spirits high.

Breast cancer detected through self-examination

Reena says, "My journey with breast cancer has been nothing less than a roller coaster, both physically and mentally. When I first found out that I had breast cancer, it was nothing less than a shock for me. I found out about my cancer in March 2018 during a regular self-examination, when I felt an unusual lump in my breast. The lump didn't seem right to me, so I quickly decided to visit my doctor. After consulting the doctor, some tests and biopsy, I found out that I had breast cancer." 

Giving further information, Reena said, "No woman in my family has ever had breast cancer, so I had no idea that I could have such a disease. After finding out about breast cancer, I went into a lot of stress, because due to this I was undergoing diagnostic tests - mammogram, biopsy and consultation. To get rid of a disease like breast cancer, I went through treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. The chemo session was very tiring for me, which also has many side effects, especially fatigue and hair loss."

"Second time breast cancer troubled me mentally"

Having breast cancer twice can be stressful for any woman. Reena says, "After my treatment, I was declared cancer-free, after which I focused on strengthening my strength and emotional health again. I thought I had completely defeated this disease, and now there is no looking back. But, a few years later, in December 2020, breast cancer once again caught me. Facing this disease for the second time was more difficult for me mentally, because I knew what things I would have to go through again. However, I was more prepared than before, because I knew what treatments to face, how to better manage the side effects of chemo. Once again I underwent surgery and radiation. This time the recovery was different, I was paying attention to my mental health along with my physical recovery."

"Faced many problems during breast cancer twice"

Reena says, "During the treatment of breast cancer, the emotional challenges were more difficult than the physical problems. Fear and the dread of something happening were always with me. Especially in the initial days, I was trying to understand the way out of this disease and the effects of this disease on my life. During chemotherapy, my courage was weakening due to hair loss and its other side effects. Even after living among loved ones, I felt lonely, because even those living with you do not know what problems you are facing. To deal with cancer, I relied on my support system, family, friends and others. I talked to people who had successfully overcome this disease. By doing this, I felt less lonely.MindfulnessAnd I also practiced meditation, which helped me reduce anxiety." 

"I went through several therapies to treat breast cancer"

"Both times, I underwent treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy for breast cancer. Surgery was physically challenging but manageable. Chemotherapy was the most difficult and I had to face extreme fatigue and hair loss, while radiation made me very tired. However, it had very few side effects. I faced different challenges in each treatment," Reena said.

Reena made many changes in her lifestyle

During her breast cancer treatment, Reena tried to keep herself hydrated, eat well, keep herself busy with office work,MeditationI prioritized exercising and resting as much as possible to help manage the side effects of therapy and treatment. “On the advice of the doctor, I took medication to relieve nausea, practised mindfulness to deal with emotional stress. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I have also focused on regular exercise and reducing stress. These changes have not only increased my energy but have also had a positive improvement in my mental health. My family, friends, and my will to live have helped me stay positive both times during this serious illness,” says Reena. 

Reena's message for women

While giving a message to women, Reena said, "With the help of self-examination, mammogram and regular checkup, you can identify the early symptoms of breast cancer, which can help you to know this disease early and get its proper treatment." Along with this, while encouraging the women struggling with breast cancer, Reena said, "If any woman is facing a serious disease like breast cancer, then try to keep yourself strong and remember that you are not alone. Have faith in yourself and take one decision at a time, believe in your strength. Every person's life is different, so their problems are also different. You just listen to your body. Ask for help from others when needed and try to keep yourself alone or away from negative thoughts. Also follow the advice given by the doctor.