At 47 years old, Waheeda Jagdeo stands as a beacon of resilience. A breast cancer survivor of six years, her journey began in March 2018 when she first discovered a lump in her breast.
At 47 years old, Waheeda Jagdeo stands as a beacon of resilience.
Now, as she reflects on her battle with the disease, Jagdeo shares her story of survival, determination, and hope.
THE DISCOVERY: “I TOLD MYSELF I WAS HEALTHY”
Jagdeo, who worked in a hospital setting, was well aware of the importance of regular breast exams.
She had heard the advice countless times: do self-exams and get checked regularly. However, nothing prepared her for the moment when she felt a lump during a routine shower.
I was 41 years old at the time. I was strong, healthy, and I thought, ‘this lump can’t be cancer.’ But the next month, around my menstrual cycle, I felt the lump again. That’s when I told my boss.
Encouraged by her colleagues, Jagdeo decided to have a mammogram, which led to a series of tests.
The doctor didn’t like what he saw on the mammogram. They asked me to do a spot compression, then an ultrasound, and eventually a biopsy.
The biopsy revealed the devastating truth: stage one carcinoma.
I picked up the report from the lab, and when I read it, it said cancerous. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, I have cancer.’
THE BATTLE BEGINS: “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-altering, but Jagdeo was determined to face it head-on. She underwent a mastectomy and began chemotherapy.
I kept telling myself, ‘this too shall pass.’ After my diagnosis, I knew that I had to go through the motions, but I believed that it was just a phase, and I was going to get through it.
However, the road was not easy. One of the hardest moments for Jagdeo was losing her hair during chemotherapy.
Before my first chemo, I went and cut my hair short, thinking maybe it wouldn’t fall out. But after the second treatment, clumps of hair started coming out. I didn’t want to keep seeing it fall out every day, so I went to the barber and told him, ‘Take it all off at once.’
For Jagdeo, losing her hair was more than just a physical change.
I love having my hair. I love colouring it, cutting it, and feeling confident. Losing it was one of the hardest parts of chemo.
THE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY: “THERE WAS NO TASTE IN MY MOUTH”
Beyond the emotional challenges, chemotherapy also brought physical side effects that tested Jagdeo’s endurance. She recalls the toll it took on her senses and her body.
When I was doing the chemo, I couldn’t taste anything. There was no taste in my mouth at all. I lost my hair, my eyelashes, my eyebrows—everything. There was no hair left on my body.
Despite these hardships, Jagdeo continued to fight.
What I asked God for through it all was, ‘Lord, don’t take me now.’ And here I am, six years later.
A MESSAGE FOR OTHERS: “CANCER DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE”
Jagdeo’s journey has taught her many lessons, one of the most important being that cancer can affect anyone.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. You can be rich, poor, healthy, or unhealthy—cancer does not care. That’s why it’s so important for everyone, men included, to check themselves and be proactive about their health.
Jagdeo hopes to raise awareness and encourage both men and women to get regular screenings and pay attention to their bodies.
Early detection saves lives. If you feel something unusual, don’t ignore it. Go get checked.
A SURVIVOR’S LEGACY: “I AM A FIGHTER”
When asked how she would like to be remembered, Jagdeo’s answer is simple:
A fighter. A survivor.
According to this fighter, her journey through breast cancer has been filled with challenges, but she has faced each one with courage and grace.
I want people to remember me as someone who fought and survived. I’m here today because I didn’t give up. And I want to inspire others to do the same.
Now, six years after her diagnosis, Jagdeo continues to live her life with strength and optimism.
She encourages others to stay vigilant about their health and to remain hopeful, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Cancer may be tough, but we are tougher. This too shall pass.
