Mother's Breast Cancer Symptoms Initially Dismissed as Motherhood Fatigue
A London mother-of-two, diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer at the age of 37, has revealed that the medically-induced early menopause she endured was "harder" than chemotherapy. Anj Periyasamy, now 41 and a physiotherapist, described how her hormone-fed cancer required keeping her ovaries "asleep," preventing her from using HRT to alleviate severe symptoms.
The Overlooked Symptoms and Diagnosis
Looking back to March 2022, Anj recalled that her only symptom before discovering a lump was feeling "knackered," which she attributed to motherhood while caring for her daughters, Jasmin and Maya, then aged five and two. Despite thinking it was "probably nothing," she sought a virtual GP appointment, which led to an in-person examination. At a central London clinic, a breast surgeon agreed she was "too young" for cancer but recommended precautionary tests, including a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.
Within a week, an MRI confirmed her fears. Anj remembered asking the specialist directly if it was sinister, and upon confirmation, her immediate concern was for her young children. Over the next six months, she underwent extensive treatment, including 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with reconstruction, 15 rounds of radiotherapy, 14 rounds of IV Herceptin, and six rounds of IV bisphosphonates.
The Harsh Reality of Medical Menopause
Anj also received monthly injections of Zoladex and Letrozole to lower hormone levels, inducing medical menopause, before switching to Tamoxifen due to side effects. While chemotherapy caused hair loss, blackened fingernails, fatigue, and "chemo fog," she found menopause even more challenging. Symptoms included night sweats, hot flushes, mood swings, low libido, hair thinning, muscle aches, and tendon pain, which limited her ability to exercise and increased her risk of osteoporosis.
"Menopause sucks," Anj said. "It sucks big time. There are so many facets to it that nobody talks about." She expressed frustration at being unable to use HRT or certain herbal supplements due to her cancer type, leading to unbearable physical and psychological effects.
Family Impact and Awareness Efforts
Anj's daughters noticed her symptoms, prompting her to use resources like the children's book "Mummy's Lump" from Breast Cancer Now to explain her condition. She also collaborated with Trekstock Cancer Support, participating in their photography exhibition "Are You Better Yet?" to raise awareness. Anj emphasized the importance of visibility as a South Asian woman, noting a lack of education and representation for young brown women in cancer narratives.
Four years post-diagnosis, Anj continues to manage ongoing effects like incomplete eyebrow regrowth and skin changes but is living well. She hopes her story empowers others, especially her daughters, to face life crises with resilience. The exhibition runs until March 29 at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in London.
