Breast cancer!

I was only 12 years old.

A girl from the southern rift valley,Curious, bubbly, and full of love for books. Then, something strange began to happen. I would be reading a paragraph and suddenly get lost. For about five seconds, I would say meaningless words, completely unaware of what I was doing. Then, I’d snap back into reality and freeze. Did anyone see me? I couldn’t remember what had just happened.I always felt embarrassed .

This wasn’t a one-time thing. It continued for almost two months, and it wasn’t long before my classmates noticed. They laughed, but my desk mate was kind. She would quietly show me where I had left off when I zoned out.

The psychological impact of these episodes weighed heavily on me, my parents, and my academics. I became afraid of reading lengthy paragraphs because I didn’t know when the next episode might strike.

Finally, my dad decided to take me to the hospital. After a thorough physical examination and several tests, we were filled with anxiety, wondering what the doctor would say.

The doctor spoke softly, “Joy has Petit Mal epilepsy.”

I was terrified. I had no idea what it meant. Doctor, will I faint? I asked, scared of what I had heard from the public about epilepsy. My dad was quiet, possibly thinking about the cost of medication, counting his small coins in his head.

The doctor gently held my hand and explained everything to us,what epilepsy was, how important early diagnosis was, and the treatment I would need. I started medication that very day, with monthly checkups for two years. Consistency was key. After two years of faithfully taking my medication, I was declared epilepsy-free. This was a moment of joy for my family, my doctor, and myself.

Years later i constantly advocate for the need for early diagnosis and continuous assessments to keep your health in check!

Now, as I share my story, I’m reminded of the importance of early diagnosis and regular checkups. This lesson extends beyond epilepsy, and during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a message I feel strongly about.

Breast cancer affects both women and men, and we need to normalize breast self-examinations. Catching breast cancer early can lead to better outcomes, just like early treatment did for me. Here’s how you can do a self-assessment:

Breast Self-Assessment in the Mirror (For Both Men and Women)

Stand in front of the mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts. Check if there’s any dimpling, puckering, or redness on the skin.

Raise your arms overhead and look for the same changes. Make sure both breasts move evenly.

Place your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any changes, especially in the nipple area or any distortion in shape.

Gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge or lumps.

If you notice anything unusual, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can save lives.

Let us show love and support to those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the importance of regular checkups and self-assessments.

NITASIMAMA( i will stand) to