UAE | Health
Worst part is it can happen to anyone
Joanne K. from Canada was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2006. For Joanne the biggest surprise was the unconditional support she received from her friends and family.
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 01:20 November 2, 2007
- Image Credit:
- "... with hair no one knows you have cancer, but bald you feel so exposed that everyone knows you have cancer," says Joanne K.
Dubai: For Joanne the biggest surprise was the unconditional support she received from her friends and family.
"You find out you are not alone when facing this tough time in your life," she told Gulf News. The worst part was finding out that breast cancer can happen to anyone. "I was stunned as we don't have a history of cancer in our family," she said.
Joanne K. from Canada was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2006 in Abu Dhabi after finding a lump on her breast for the first time while getting dressed. After going to her local clinic for a mammogram, ultrasound and then a biopsy, Joanne received the confirmation that the lump was malignant.
"I went for chemotherapy at Tawam in Al Ain for three months from April to June. I did radiation for five weeks in July in Toronto, Canada."
One of the hardest parts of the treatment was the mood swings and the loss of hair caused by the chemotherapy.
"It happened so quickly that I hadn't bought a wig. It was just so sad to see yourself bald. With hair no one knows you have cancer, but bald you feel so exposed that everyone knows you have cancer."
Joanne reached her highest point at the first year check-up, when results came back clear. "I know that the cancer is gone, at least for now. Also having my hair back again and not wearing the wig or scarves is a good feeling."
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
