Dorothy Tosan
- I was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer – Survivor
- I am thankful to God for persevering in my life
- Follow your oncologist’s instructions; diet and exercise
By Gom Mirian
Mother of two Dorothy Tosan says she had always feared cancer though there had not been any history of cancer in her family – neither from her mother or father’s side.
According to her, “I was afraid because my younger sister’s husband’s first wife abroad (a white woman) had it, and she kept telling me about her condition. Invariably, she died.
“I have also read some foreign novels about people with cancer. Some fought it and conquered it, while some died.”
Despite her fears, Tosan never dreamt she would be diagnosed with cancer since it doesn’t run in her family. Like many other young adults with cancer, Tosan was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45. At the time, she should be enjoying her marriage and taking care of her two children.
“It was a shock for me to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I was really sad and afraid, “said Tosan.
“It has never been in my family nor my husband’s family, and it was something entirely new, and so we were all confused.”
Tosan’s health problems began in 2021 with symptoms of breast cancer. Typical symptoms include discomfort and lumps on the upper axis of the breast and belly pains.
She went to the hospital for an assessment. The test showed she had breast cancer, and a biopsy later confirmed it. Luckily, it was found early, at stage II. The tumour had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes. Tosan was treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
“I just had a lump on the upper axis of my right breast and went for a scan initially around April when I was expecting my monthly flow and was told that it was menstruation and that I should take plenty of fruits for about a month.
“At the end of one month, the pain and lump were still there, so I had to go to the hospital for a series of scans, mammograms, and biopsies where they finally found it was cancer.
Tosan’s diagnosis threw her family and husband into a state of confusion that left them with no choice but a total surrender to the will of God.
“It was not easy because it took a series of scans, mammograms, and biopsies. All these were repeated twice or thrice before it was concluded that it was cancer.
“I told myself I was going to defeat cancer through the help of God; that my parents attained a ripe old age. And that I love my husband and children so much and would want to grow to a full ripe age and serve God continually.
“I told God I wanted to be there and see my children graduate from the university. All these thoughts kept my hopes alive, “said Tosan.
During those trial periods of searching for help and a cure for the diagnosed cancer, Tosan lamented over some rigid attitude portrayed by some cancer centres she approached for financial and knowledge assistance.
“My husband’s friend was able to contact one cancer centre in Lagos for support. But they were behaving as if they were Almighty God, that without them, nothing can be done.
“So, we had to focus on our energies and resources to do it on our own. To the glory of God, my husband financed the treatment with some help from family and friends.
“I want others, especially women, to have this knowledge. They should always be alert in checking every soft part of their body so that when they discover any abnormalities and quickly go for a check-up.
“The earlier you discover, the better it will be treated to avoid spreading to other parts of the body, treatment becomes difficult, and death is imminent.”
Living as a Survivor
Tosan’s cancer treatment saved her life but unfortunately left her with some discomfort she is trusting to cope with in life.
Her words: “In July 2022, I was really happy and even testified in the church. Though at times fatigue comes up and I continue with my diet, which is mostly fruits and vegetables.
“However, I remain thankful to God for persevering in my life. I knew that during the operation in that theatre, anything could have happened. I hovered between life and death. Coming out from there alive is a great testimony.
“The immediate family’s cooperation encouraged me a lot, and my husband is the best,” Tosan smiles.
Tosan says support from family and friends, pain medication from her health care team, and her religious convictions helped encourage her and kept her going when she was at her lowest.
She says finding out as much information as she could about breast cancer and other cancers gave her comfort and stability.
She offers advice to others facing a diagnosis. “Don’t give up hope, ask for help from friends, family, neighbours, religious groups, and other organizations, especially during the time of diagnosis and treatment, and even afterwards.”
“Tell yourself that you can make it through Christ Jesus. Follow the instructions of your oncologist and your diet and exercise by taking a long walk three times a weekend.
“Don’t take sugar of any type but natural honey if you so much need something sweet.
“Take beetroot, carrots, and scent leaves juice.
“Finally, God is your healer. Hold him tight in all your ways,” she advised.
Doctors recommend that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.
Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or another healthcare provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths.
The estimated data show considerable increase in cancer mortality to nearly one million deaths per year by 2030 without urgent and bold interventions.
In developed countries, however, studies have shown that the mortality from breast cancer has been on the decline despite the higher incidence of breast cancer.
They said it is a result of early detection through organized screening programs and effective treatment modalities.
