Abu Dhabi: Math teacher beats breast cancer, hails UAE's 'great' health system

Abu Dhabi - Doctors say early detection saved Patricia's life

Patricia, a Filipina expat and a teacher based in Al Ain, is a proud breast cancer survivor.

Her story is an inspiration to all during this breast cancer awareness month.

Initially shocked and devastated after being told that she had cancer, the 48-year-old showed tremendous fortitude to overcome her fears, anxiety and panic and beat the Big C.

Patricia’s battle began in late 2019 when she felt pain in her left breast. When she did a self-examination, she felt a abnormal lump.

“It was constantly on my mind, and I was scared that it could be cancer. After opening up to my colleague, they urged me to get it checked. A mammogram confirmed I had breast cancer. I needed to undergo immediate treatment," she said.

Her worst fears had come true. But the private school math teacher pulled herself up the bootstraps and began her long battle.

“I was scared of losing my hair, my looks, my job, but I had to pull myself out of crying. So, I said to myself that I will overcome this and I will undergo treatment as early as possible because life is beautiful and I need to be strong for my family. Above all, I wanted to get cured and live my life,” she said.

Patricia was referred to Tawam Hospital, part of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company’s (Seha).

She was admitted to the hospital’s Breast Care Centre (BCC), where a multidisciplinary team designed a tailored treatment plan.

“I started my treatment, chemotherapy and surgery, all in the midst of the pandemic, and that was really difficult to deal with. I felt all alone dealing with cancer while isolated from the world,” she said.