Cancer doesn’t discriminate, It can affect anyone.
In all my years of giving health advice, cautioning patients, presenting at conferences, leading health programs and initiatives did I think, that Cancer would touch me, but it did.
This is my story….
One typical afternoon, I was doing my usual walk up and down the hills in front my home. At the end of the last lap, I suddenly felt a gush, as if my water bags had broken. On examination, I realized that I was having a heavy period. Being a nurse, I knew that this was not a good sign. I acted quickly and my neighbour took me to the Health Centre right away. I was treated for the excruciating pain, a few pertinent investigations and referred to the gynaecologist.
The visit with the gynaecological oncologist was quite alarming. Thankfully, she was extremely gentle and patient in performing the examination to obtain a sample from the lining of my womb. This was complicated, as I have had three previous Caesarean Sections. She decided to do an abdominal and pelvic MRI which revealed endometrial cancer and a small nodule under my left breast was discovered. The biopsy of the left breast now revealed stage 1 cancer. Upon hearing these diagnoses, I knew my next steps had to be surgery, as soon as possible. On the 7th of November of 2020 I had a total hysterectomy which is removal of womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix; lumpectomy of left breast and accompanying removal of lymph nodes under left arm.
My surgery lasted five and a half hours. So far, I’ve undergone seven surgeries. I must give praise and thanks to my surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, the entire cancer care team. Upon discharge on the 8th of December 2020, I had an angel stay with me for one month. She fulfilled the role of nurse in every sense of the word, hence my speedy recovery. My gratitude to her is never ending to this day, in addition to those who transported me for my radiation therapy in April 2021, undergoing 25 sessions on consecutive days.
What did I learn on this journey?
Prayers and faith in the Almighty kept me grounded and I remained positive, spiritually, and emotionally upbeat. Prayer from all my friends and associates from the world poured in for me. This support went a long way towards my recovery. In my heart, I know God has more of His work for me to do in the future. I know this is just another chapter in my journey of helping persons. I am truly grateful for my early diagnosis at stage 1 and my speedy recovery. I kept thinking I have to get better for my children, my four grandchildren; Liam, Cameron, Benjamin, Sophia and especially for all the organisations and persons I serve, as they continue to lean on me. In December 2022, I was able to attend the International Diabetes Federation Conference in Lisbon and served on the Nominating committee for this organisation.
As a nurse with years of experience in the healthcare field, I found myself now relying on the strategies I previously shared to patients to cope:
1. Staying faithful and grateful to the Almighty
2. Never questioning His plan or saying, “Why Me?”
3. Knowing this too will pass, as so many other challenges in life, this will just be another I conquer!
As I continue my journey in life, I hope that my story can empower all the women reading this, to not be afraid, to please go and have their health checks - prevention is better than cure!
Mrs. Zobida Ragbirsingh
- Registered Nurse > 50 years
- Midwife, District Health Visitor
- Past President, Diabetes Association of T&T
- Past President, Rotary Club of Princes Town
- Vice President, Health, International Diabetes Federation (2018-2019)
- Distinguished Nominee, Guardian Media Women of the Year 1988