Cancer Journey
- Surviving Breast Cancer
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Nagu Sathappan
My name is Nagu Sathappan. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 13, 2024. During a routine mammogram screening, a few centimeters of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), grade 2, were discovered. Following the diagnosis, I had to undergo six cycles of chemotherapy. The first three cycles involved a combination of drugs, while the remaining three were with a more aggressive drug called docetaxel. The side effects included heavy nausea and pain which were severe, and to make things even more challenging, I was living alone—my family is back in India.
At the time of my diagnosis, I informed only a couple of people at my office. Later on, I found a few friends who stood by me throughout this journey. I had informed them quite late, but I am immensely grateful for their unwavering support. My job is based at Cambridge, but because of my treatment I am staying in Manchester. And of course 3 days a week, I have to be in the office, which I am unable to do. My workload is being adjusted based upon my hospital appointments.
I’m in my early 40s and single. The girls who supported me are all much younger than me. Interestingly, I never worried much about losing my hair or my appearance. Instead, I focused on engaging in meaningful activities. I started exploring arts and crafts, which brought me great joy. I also immersed myself in music and dance—recording my own videos. I was never very active on social media, but my friends created an account for me, and I began sharing my blog posts and poetry there. These creative outlets (diamond art, painting, and knitting) kept me going.
During this period, I also attended a job interview and was selected. I’m currently working for my new employer. The journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. I experienced emotional breakdowns, lost a few relationships, and went through deep emotional pain—but I have no regrets. I try to understand others’ perspectives, even when it hurts. I know I’ve paid a heavy price, but this journey has taught me a lot.
After completing my six chemotherapy cycles, I underwent a lumpectomy. Unfortunately, the margins weren’t clear. I then had a second surgery—a re-excision—but again, the margins were not clear. My third surgery was a major one: a vertical therapeutic mammoplasty on both breasts. It was then that I received a major surprise—the pathology report revealed that 70% of my right breast was filled with high-grade DCIS. The cancer cells were almost invisible and also I gave only partial response to chemotherapy.
Ultimately, I underwent a fourth surgery: a mastectomy with reconstruction. I opted for an ADM (acellular dermal matrix) implant.
Now, I’m undergoing 14 more cycles of chemotherapy with Kadcyla, a drug designed to prevent the recurrence of cancer. These cycles will continue for a year. In addition, I’ve started hormone therapy and take tamoxifen tablets daily.
It’s been a tough journey, and I’ve been fighting this for about a year now. But I believe I’ll make it through. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire and help others going through similar struggles.
Read More:
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
Beyond One and Done: The Realities of Surgery and Reconstruction
with Veronica Novy
Share your story, poetry, or art:
SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support:
