Seramasi Latianara lives by the motto “I will keep fighting.”
The slogan has kept the 49-year-old going ever since she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2019.
She says the mantra has brought her through some of her darkest moments in the battle with the dreaded disease.
“I just refuse to give up,” Ms Latianara said.
“In mid 2019, I noticed a small lump in my left breast so I went to my doctor in Nadi who then referred me to the Lautoka Hospital. “They did a biopsy and it confirmed that I had cancer on my left breast, stage 1.
“I opted to have mastectomy operations on both of my breasts in September 2020 at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) after the cancer developed to stage three.”
A mastectomy is surgery to remove all breast tissue from a breast as a way to treat or prevent breast cancer.
She said she had her first phase of chemotherapy sessions six months after her operation and her second phase of chemotherapy early this year.
From a small lump to several chemotherapies, Ms Latianara said her life has completely changed after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“To survivors who have undergone chemotherapy cancer treatment, you will understand the pain and difficulties that our body will endure after one treatment.
“Continuous joint pains, loss of appetite, loss of smell, vomiting and loss of body hair are some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
“Some house chores I used to do with ease before my chemotherapy started I cannot do now because I just don’t have the energy and physical power to do it.”
Ms Latianara said the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated her issues as it delayed her treatment process.
“As a woman, God has built us in such a way that we can withstand pain for a very long time especially when we go into labour.
“In addition to my daily struggle was the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but as a God-fearing individual, I always turned to my maker to seek guidance and comfort whenever the going got tough.
“After my first cycle in March 2021, the second wave of COVID-19 hit Fiji and all my treatment was put on hold until the borders opened.”
Originally from Daliconi Village in the district of Mualevu on Vanuabalavu in Lau, she had her most recent chemo treatment on October 8 this year at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. The mother of three acknowledged the support of the people who stood by her side from when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“My former employer, Fiji Airways was very receptive and accommodating by giving me medical leave and I will always be grateful to them for that.”
In a bid to divert her attention from her battle with cancer, Ms Latianara is in the process of starting a small business called Marauna Arts.
She also acknowledged Fiji Cancer Society CEO Belinda Chan and her team, Dr Josese Turagava and his CWMH Oncology team for their continuous love and support towards her treatment.
“I also would like to thank my husband, my children, family and friends for their support and love especially after every chemotherapy treatment.
“I urge all mothers, young women and girls to go for an early check-up at your nearest health facilities because it can extend your life rather than dying at an early age.”
