Page 62 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

detection, insisted, “Reema, it’s better to be sure than sorry.”

Reluctantly, I went. The camp was bustling with activity –
women of all ages, health workers, volunteers and doctors.
The friendly smiles and reassuring voices of the staff put me
at ease. As I

waited for my turn, I couldn’t help but think of my family –
my two little children and my husband, Arun, who worked
tirelessly to provide for us. What if something happens to me?
Who would take care of them? I pushed those thoughts aside,
convincing myself I was overthinking.
When my turn came, the nurse conducted a routine clinical
breast examination. I saw her expression change subtly–just
a flicker of concern. “Reema, there’s a small lump in your left
breast. It could be benign, but I recommend further tests to
rule out anything serious,” she said gently.
Her words felt like a thunderclap. A lump? Breast cancer? My
mind raced. I felt he ground beneath me shift as fear gripped
my heart. “No, it can’t be me,” I murmured to myself. I wanted
to run to escape, to deny. But the nurse’s voice broke through
my spiraling thoughts. “Reema, don’t be afraid. We’re here to
help. This isn’t a diagnosis, just a precaution.”
I nodded, but my legs felt weak as I walked to the counseling

62 THE HUMAN SPIRIT IS STRONGER THAN ANY DIAGNOSIS