I was diagnosed after I noticed a lump under my left armpit. I felt like something was wrong, and I finally heard the news on October 19, 2023.

I didn’t make changes to my lifestyle at that point.

I stopped talking to my parents as much, after knowing my cancer diagnosis. I still spend as much time with my two kids, though.

First of all, I hope that my health improves and that my cancer is completely defeated, so that I can work for my children. I live with only one of them, and I wish that my daughter would also live with me in two years, because I suffer a lot when she is not by my side.

What motivates me is going to the breast cancer foundation. Here, I do workshops that distract me and help me not to think about cancer. I also listen to music, and I ask God to help me because we are in His hands.

My greatest fear is dying. To overcome this fear, I think it's all in the mind and sometimes I just live as if I don't have a diagnosis.

I’ve been on this journey for a while. Now, I struggle with fear and feeling helpless. I feel like I’m all alone. There are days when I feel nervous, overwhelmed and worthless.

To those who are also facing cancer, I’d say this: “I personally am living that journey, and I am diligently following my treatment and closely adhering to medical instructions. I engage in activities to keep my mind occupied, such as knitting and listening to music. I enjoy both God’s music and ordinary music. I step out of the house, and even though there are times when I cry, I rise and continue living with my son. I am alone with him; he is my company, my comfort. And if one is in God’s hands, what greater company could there be? I believe that having cancer is not easy, but it is not a reason to be depressed either. We must keep moving forward, breaking through all fears. One day we will say, 'Thank you, Lord, I have overcome cancer,' with a huge smile on our face, perhaps with tears of happiness ☺. I simply say to you, let's fight, warriors.”

Based on my doctors’ recommendation, I went through a mastectomy, which is the removal of the entire breast, followed by high-toxicity antineoplastic polytherapy for chemo.

When deciding on how to treat this disease, I felt angry, and a little discouraged. The decision made me feel a bit relieved and hopeful, however.

The side effects of the treatment were tough. I had fatigue, hair loss, and I didn’t feel like eating much. I managed them with prescribed medication.

On the other hand, the treatment took a toll financially. There were times when I couldn't afford food, services, or transportation.