The story of Susan Wright is one of total inspiration. It's about a woman who's fearless and takes the bull by the horns when life throws her lemons. It's about a woman who has never questioned her affliction with cancer but found solutions rather than wallowing in her problems. It's about a woman, who through adversity found herself and learnt to put Susan first.
Susan Wright, like others before her is seen as a fortunate cancer survivor, but to those who know her, she's just simply awesome. The 54 year old Belmont resident is a married mother of two, and is busy enjoying life. Looking back, Wright remembered the day when her life changed in September 2006, having been diagnosed with cancer. Ironically it was on her birthday that she opted to do a routine medical check at a health fair that she discovered that the lump in her left breast was more serious than her eye had initially perceived.
The doctor who did her breast exam immediately referred Wright to the cancer clinic where an oncologist carried out mammograms and other routine checks on her. "I never had pain and I was never sick" said the cancer survivor. "The doctors could not understand how I did not know that something was wrong with me." After examining both breasts, Wright was made aware that she had stage four breast cancer in her left breast. "They asked me if anyone came with me and I said no," she recalled. "They then told me that they had good news and bad news. 'Am I going to die?' That was my first question to them. They said no. They told me I had cancer and that they could help me if I did the treatment."
After sharing the news with her family, the then cancer patient started to forge forward with her treatment. "I made all my decisions. I'm not that kind of person to sit down and harp about it, I just go with the flow. I was never scared of death because a lot of my mother's family died from cancer. I was more like let's get it over with!" said Wright confidently.
Wright then embarked on six aggressive rounds of chemotherapy from October to December in order to shrink the cancer. "They gave me a concoction called red devil which was very strong and after the chemo cycles the cancer shrunk from 5 cm to 2 cm," she stated. Wright remembers the pain free experience which is contrary to most cancer-stricken patients. "I ate like a mad cow though and I put on 29 pounds so I had to change my diet to a healthier one. I used to feel a hollow pit in my stomach like I had not eaten for months. I particularly liked pizza and wraps. I even fell asleep hugging the pizza box!" said Wright heartily.
After her body's positive response to the chemotherapy, the doctor suggested that Wright do a lumpectomy on her left breast instead of removing it entirely. "I told the doctor that I was not coming back to find out that the cancer came back. Plus most of persons I know that opted for a lumpectomy experienced the cancer coming back," she said. Maybe for the first time, the gutsy cancer survivor revealed a vulnerable side. "I was strong and brave this time because you have to build up a kind of defense. But if I had to go through this ordeal again I would not be as strong," said Wright candidly.
As intended, Wright had a radical mastectomy and is now cancer free. Adjusting to life with her left breast removed has been, for the most part positive since she wears a prosthesis. "The only thing is that you see styles that you cannot wear especially where cleavage is concerned. You are always checking that the prosthesis is not riding up or exposed. The bras are also expensive and after a while the prosthesis bursts or oozes," she added.
Looking back, this entire experience has helped to bump Susan Wright to the top of her own priority list. "I used to be Wonder Woman, always busy. But you have to remember, your body is like a machine and after a while you would need to change the parts. I never took vitamins or did checkups. Now it's all about me!" she said emphatically.
Today, Wright is as positive as she first was when she was diagnosed a stage four cancer patient. She has no qualms about sharing her story and spends a lot of time in her cancer support group and uplifting other patients. Her advice to those who may be battling their diagnosis is simple. "Get a second opinion from your oncologist first and then join a support group. Your family can help but no one knows your story like those who have faced cancer. It makes a difference."
Support thefight by taking a FREE test at one of the mobile clinics, courtesy Republic Bank, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dates in October Republic Bank Branches/Other Locations
Wednesday 24th Republic Bank Trincity
Friday 26th Republic Bank Arima
Monday 29th Republic Bank Centre City
Wednesday 31st Republic Bank Grand Bazaar
FREE T-shirt with registration
for Remembrance Walk.
Registration: Adult $80.00 Children $60.00 Call the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society at 800-TTCS (8827) for more information.
