Denise Reddy – The makings of a breast cancer warrior

Denise Reddy shares how love and support from her family, friends, and a new Facebook friend built her up to be a breast cancer warrior.

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Denise Reddy (58) lives in Kempton Park, Gauteng with her husband. They have two children and one grandson. 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2019. A few days before, I woke up due to severe pain in my left breast. As I touched it, a lump was evident. I couldn’t fall back to sleep. The next day I went to a hospice and the nurse examined my breast and referred me for a mammogram.

After the sonar and mammogram, a biopsy was done. I tried to remain calm. Four days later, I was told I had breast cancer; this was the worst day of my life. The tumour was 8cm in size and Stage 3. 

Even though I have a family history of cancer, I had so many questions to ask God: Why me? I’ve been a good person, looked after myself, and always went for mammograms on time. I lived a charitable life. 

After much numbness, I broke the news to my husband and children; they were devastated. I didn’t know how to react.

Family history of cancer

My late mother had cervical cancer but didn’t even have a chance to get treated, when she passed away from organ failure. My late brother had colorectal cancer which spread to his lungs; he fought many years and went into remission for five years. Then he had a recurrence in 2020 and passed away. 

More bad news 

I consulted a breast specialist and an MRI was ordered. It showed not only the HER2 positive tumour in my left breast but also a lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) in my right breast, which wasn’t detected on the mammogram. 

LCIS isn’t cancer, it’s abnormal cells in the milk glands. However, being diagnosed with LCIS increases the risk of breast cancer. Cancer was also found in my lymph nodes, ribcages, lungs, and liver. 

Treatment

I started chemotherapy (red devil) a month after my diagnosis. Within two weeks, my hair started to fall out and soon I had no hair on my entire body. I also lost weight.

Treatment went on and other side effects, including seizures, commenced. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognise myself. 

As COVID-19 kicked in, I had to now sit in the treatment room all alone while my family waited in the car. I was also fearful of contracting COVID during treatment. 

After chemotherapy, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction in July 2020. After five weeks of recovery, I had 32 radiation sessions. Thereafter, I had trastuzumab until April 2021, and  was also prescribed tamoxifen.  

Family support

At first my husband went into panic mode then kept himself busy; this was his way of coping. My daughter, who was in her last stage of pregnancy, did her utmost best to cook and bathe me while my son went into auto mode and dealt with all my affairs. He also drove me back and forth to my appointments. They were all so amazing working together for my well-being. 

Facebook friend

I found a lovely breast cancer survivor who is also a psychologist, Sandra Bollen-Hughes, on Facebook. She was my angel as she helped me with the tools to cope every day because it was so hard. I could speak freely and trusted her with my life. She is the most amazing woman.

Load became lighter

After the initial shock and normal emotions, my circumstance became easier to navigate. There were good days and bad days. But I know that my load became lighter due to my family who pulled together, friends assisting with food, and Sandra’s coping skills. 

Recurrence in 2024

This April a new mass was picked up on a sonar; it’s a recurrence. Funny enough, I always said if it came back, I wouldn’t have treatment again. Yet, I’m three cycles in. Once I’m done, my doctors will assess to see if surgery is an option. It’s hard news to digest but with all the love and support from my family and friends, I continue my journey as a breast cancer warrior.

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To my fellow warriors 

Your cancer diagnosis can’t destroy who you truly are.

We ride the chemo wave with all our might.

We will fight to stay alive and see our grandchildren. 

Don’t lose your faith and hope. 

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Don’t give in to the bed; get up, dress up and show up every day. Even if you’re at home, put your lipstick and earrings on and continue to give yourself love and patience.

You’re important and you’re brave enough to fight this good fight.

At the end of your treatment, you’ll come out victorious.

You’ll be a brand-new person: new hair, new figure, and a new look towards the future.

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