In January of this year, I received a breast cancer diagnosis, mere months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearing the words “you have cancer” is already a monumental moment, but discovering that I would be facing surgeries, appointments, and treatments during a global health crisis was utterly frightening. I am not alone in this experience. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, approximately 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2018 alone, the CDC reported nearly 255,000 new cases in the United States. That’s a staggering number of women facing similar challenges.
When I got the call confirming that the lump I had discovered during a self-exam was a recurrence of breast cancer, I was overwhelmed with dread. This was not my first encounter with pink ribbons and medical procedures, but it was my first health crisis amid a pandemic. My initial oncologist advised me to brace myself for a long and arduous year ahead.
Cancer brings with it an undeniable level of anxiety, both immediate and long-lasting. I found myself anxiously awaiting test results, surgery dates, and appointments, all while realizing I would be attending the majority of these appointments alone, without my husband or other loved ones to support me. Most hospitals restricted visitors, which meant I would face chemotherapy as someone who is immunocompromised.
In films, a woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer is often depicted surrounded by loved ones, sharing laughter and comfort. Unfortunately, my reality was quite different. Though I am grateful for the oncology nurses who provided care—warm blankets, extra pillows, and drink refills—it was not the same as having someone I knew by my side, reassuring me that everything would be okay.
Every lab appointment, scan, consultation, surgery, and treatment was attended solo. Slowly, I began to build my confidence, even as chemotherapy left me physically drained.
Jenna’s Journey
I spoke with a woman named Jenna, a thirty-five-year-old from Texas, who shared her own breast cancer journey that began just a month into the pandemic. Jenna discovered a lump in April 2020, initially assuming it was a clogged duct or milk cyst while nursing her child. As she attempted to schedule an appointment, delays due to COVID-19 stretched her wait time.
Her situation worsened when her family lost their health insurance, as her husband, who is immunocompromised, lost his job. Jenna recounted an interview, stating, “The hospital refused to proceed with my biopsy until new insurance was on file.” Securing Medicaid became a daunting process, exacerbated by the pandemic’s challenges. Once she finally obtained insurance and underwent her biopsy, Jenna noticed the medical office was overwhelmed with patients catching up on missed appointments.
By the end of August, she received her breast cancer diagnosis over the phone. In October, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Due to hospital policies, only her husband was allowed to accompany her, and she was informed that visitors were not permitted. Fortunately, on the day of her surgery, COVID numbers were low enough that her husband could stay with her, though she ended up recovering in the maternity ward due to a full hospital.
Jenna’s cancer was classified as Stage 3, Grade 2, with a sizable tumor and a significant number of affected lymph nodes. Following her surgery, she began a rigorous treatment regimen, including chemotherapy and radiation. She and her husband tackled the emotional, financial, and physical toll of cancer treatment, often attending appointments alone due to visitor restrictions.
The couple’s immunocompromised status made accepting outside help difficult until caregivers were fully vaccinated. All family celebrations, including holidays and birthdays, were conducted over Zoom. Jenna’s husband took on a job collecting trash at night so he could care for their children during the day, while Jenna’s job shifted to remote work with reduced hours, impacting their family income significantly.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Treatment
For cancer patients, COVID precautions are critically important. Exposure to the virus can jeopardize our health and disrupt treatment plans. Jenna experienced this firsthand when her son contracted COVID after returning to school. Both her husband and son tested positive, which delayed Jenna’s treatment and caused her to experience unpleasant side effects. Though she was frustrated, she understood that missing a treatment was preferable to missing a surgery or radiation session.
Despite the challenges, both Jenna and I were able to celebrate the end of our treatment journeys. Families watched as we rang the golden bell, symbolizing our completion of treatment, though they could only observe from a distance. While I longed for them to be by my side, I recognized the need to protect both medical staff and fellow patients.
Jenna emphasized that although she is currently cancer-free, the impact of her journey remains. Scars, ongoing side effects from treatments, and mental health struggles serve as constant reminders of her battle against breast cancer amidst a pandemic. She poignantly expressed, “Even if I’m lucky enough to never experience a recurrence, I will be fighting breast cancer for the rest of my life.”
Reflections on the Experience
Facing cancer during a pandemic is undeniably exhausting. Observing the “freedom” cries from those opposed to masks and vaccines reminds me of how fortunate they are to maintain their health—for now. Both Jenna and I understand the gravity of cancer and how the choices of others can affect our lives.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this related blog post, and for expert information, visit Intracervical Insemination or explore Mount Sinai’s resources on infertility.
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In summary, battling breast cancer during a pandemic introduces unique and significant challenges. Many individuals face treatment alone, navigate financial strains, and adapt to a constantly changing healthcare environment. The emotional and physical toll is profound, but the strength of those affected can lead to resilience and hope for the future.