Anne: I have put everything in the Lord's hands as well as use my own 'medicine'.

On March 14, 2007, Naajama Odunton told her story, in Health, about living with a chronic disease - breast cancer. Her story triggered a lot of response from readers; here is Anne Carey's story.

"I am now almost 62 years old, still quite fit and a very determined and strong individual who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

I did a lumpectomy and went back to living a normal life, or so I thought, only to find another lump (through self-diagnosis) almost two years to the day after doing my lumpectomy. As you can well imagine I just could not believe that this was happening all over again but I took it in my stride (if that is possible) and did a mastectomy, which still has not healed properly, but is getting there. I also did the usual radiation and chemotherapy.

In November 2006, I went for my regular mammogram and, not hearing anything further, thought that all was OK. On December 19, 2006, I got a call from the doctor asking me to come in and see him, so I drove into Kingston from St. Mary to get the bad news once again. They had found malignant cells in my left underarm.

Used to needles

I could not believe my luck or lack thereof so, I once again did the rounds of the doctors' offices along with both my husband and son (shift system style) doing all the usual tests that have to be done. I am now totally accustomed to being stuck with needles, doing radiation and chemotherapy but wish I did not have to undergo this again, especially to the eye as you have to wear a mask on your face which can get to your psyche at times.

I have been off work since December 2006 but I do plan to return, if my employer will have me back, as I thoroughly enjoy my job and need to get back into the swing of things.

When I was diagnosed the second time I very fearful, took it in my stride and I am coping extremely well with the selfless support of my husband and children and work colleagues who call me every week to see how I am doing.

In January 2007, I was told that the cancer had metastasised to the number 11 vertebrae in my back and then to my horror, only a few weeks later to my left eye. I have since completed my usual radiation treatment and will probably have to return to chemotherapy.

Natural supplements

Along with the chemotherapy and radiation treatments I have had the good fortune to meet a New Zealand Maori (through my younger sister) who lives in the United Kingdom and who has a medical research foundation. This gentleman has taken me under his wing and supplies me with natural supplements which I gladly take and am positive that they have helped me to be where I am today.

I am not on any particular diet, because as Ms. Naajama Odunton said in her article published in Health (March 14, 2007) 'everyone is different'.

I have put everything in the Lord's hands as well as use my own 'medicine' which is being very positive and not thinking about it and I know that He will definitely not let this breast cancer destroy me."

eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com