Post by : Saif Rahman

Bisma Lalji, 35, first dismissed a sharp backache as fatigue or stress. What began as a painful episode turned out to be the first clue of Stage 4 breast cancer that had already metastasized to her spine, highlighting the importance of paying attention to persistent bodily changes.

The pain struck while she was working from home during a video meeting. Bisma initially assumed it was a pulled muscle, but the discomfort intensified within minutes and left her immobile. Her voice grew faint when she tried to call her mother; it was their dog’s barking that finally alerted the household that something was wrong.

The family attempted basic home remedies—rest, warm compresses and food—but there was no relief. When her father arrived and saw her condition, he insisted she be taken to hospital. Bisma could barely walk to the car, and her family realized the situation required urgent medical attention.

At the hospital, scans and tests produced a startling diagnosis: Stage 4 breast cancer with spread to the spine. There had been no obvious breast lump or visible changes, contradicting Bisma’s belief that cancer always presents as a palpable mass.

Medical experts note that while lumps are a common sign of breast cancer, symptoms can vary. Persistent back or bone pain and unexplained fatigue can indicate metastatic disease, especially when cancer reaches the bones. Timely investigation is therefore crucial when unusual or long-lasting symptoms appear.

Bisma’s experience is a cautionary tale for people of every age. Many attribute ongoing back pain to long hours, heavy lifting or stress, but if pain lingers, appears suddenly or feels unlike previous episodes, it merits a doctor’s evaluation. Early detection broadens treatment options and can improve outcomes.

Research supports this link: a 2017 paper in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine described rare cases in which persistent back pain was a manifestation of breast cancer that had spread to the spine. The study emphasized that although most back pain is benign, symptoms that do not resolve should not be ignored and warrant further testing.

Today, Bisma works as an Integrative Cancer Recovery Coach, using her experience to guide fellow patients and survivors. She shares her story to encourage others not to overlook warning signs; she believes that delaying care would have made her own treatment more challenging.

Her journey also underlines the role of emotional support and awareness for people facing cancer. Bisma credits her family, medical team and personal resilience with helping her through the crisis. She points out that fear or stigma can stop people from speaking up about symptoms, but early conversations can be lifesaving.

Bisma’s central advice is simple: "Listen to your body. Do not ignore your pain. If something does not feel right, get it checked." It’s a clear reminder for everyone that prompt action matters.

The story urges families to take even subtle, persistent pain seriously and to support loved ones seeking help. In busy lives it’s easy to dismiss discomfort, but prioritizing health can make a decisive difference.

#Wellness #Health,