Without warning, a lazy Sunday morning in 2018 turned into a period of disbelief when health-conscious Pam Foster grazed over a lump in her breast.
“I am incredibly pedantic about undergoing annual mammogram screenings and received a clean bill of health merely nine months before my diagnosis,” said the zesty 77-year-old.
“We were getting ready to attend the morning church service when I made the discovery. At that moment, my daughter took my hands, looked me in the eyes and told me, ‘Mum, God’s got this’.”
As the start of the work week rolled in, Foster leapt into action, promptly making an appointment with her doctor.
A biopsy soon confirmed her suspicions – the pea-size lump was cancerous.
“It is difficult to put into words how I felt. I was not overcome with emotions, nor did I question the reasons for the diagnosis. It all seemed surreal,” Foster said.
The treatment timeline was set after a consultation with renowned surgeon and breast disease specialist Professor Carol Benn.
“My mother had died a week prior, and I was scheduled to fly to the UK for her funeral.
“Professor Benn was phenomenal. She encouraged me to make the trip and take the time to mourn my dear mummy. She assured me that delaying surgery would not adversely affect the tumour and that undue haste was not necessary.
“Her gentle manner set my heart at ease. I could bid my mother a final farewell without nagging external troubles,” Foster said.
The early diagnosis saw the cancerous growth removed entirely through surgery, while radiation therapy was administered in the theatre, followed by immediate reconstruction.
“I feel like a bit of a fraud when talking about my journey,” Foster said, sipping coffee.
“So many women have to fight so bravely, facing great emotional, physical and mental stress to overcome this dreaded disease. I sometimes feel I got off easy.
“However, I have come to terms that this was God’s will and that early detection played a huge role.”
When she is not dancing up a storm with her toe-tapping line-dancing troupe, Foster often supports cancer awareness events and fundraisers.
“Support is invaluable when faced with a life-altering diagnosis. As women, we often feel we just need to get on with it, only facing our fears and sadness in private moments,” she said.
“Support, love and comfort are always available. We need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable in the care of beloved family and friends.”
Foster said one cannot be an ostrich when it comes to breast health.
“The disease is constantly evolving and, thankfully, so is treatment.
“Self-examination is an absolute must. Know your breasts and respond should you feel or see something out of the ordinary.
“A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, but early detection could save you a lot of heartache and worry.”
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