At first, I went to the doctor for unexplained weight loss. There, I received breast cancer screening. Then I had a biopsy for a lump in my right breast, which didn’t hurt and had no discharge. At first I wanted the opinion of another oncological surgeon, then I got one from an oncologist who had treated my aunt. I followed the latter in the end.

Throughout the process, besides the weight loss, I’d also experienced physical fatigue. Still, I was told that I’d have a 5-year survival rate of 100%, according to my oncologist, breast surgeon and my town’s cancer support foundation.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt fearful, frightened, helpless and insecure. I was nervous and worried, and felt clueless about things. I just waited for the next step. Other than that, I also felt quite isolated, powerless and vulnerable.

I made some changes to my lifestyle after diagnosis, including: drinking fruit juices, avoiding red meat, and completely eliminating sugar and dairy products. Now I eat a diet of vegetables, fruits, and chicken or fish. I eat healthier every day, and I also exercise over 50% more than what I used to before.

My doctors recommended

• Mastectomy
• Lymphadenectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Medicine to prevent vomiting during chemotherapy

At first, I sought a second opinion for treatment options. I did not want to undergo chemotherapy, I had heard that it was very strong and I wanted to avoid the side effects.

I tried alternative treatments including: homeopathic serum injection, hemotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, prayer therapy and meditation. After investigating other alternative treatments, in the end I opted for the modern medicine options provided by my doctor. Making the decision left me feeling happier, motivated and hopeful.

For now, I’m on hormone therapy.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Feeling excessively hot
• Weakness
• Discomfort under the sun
• Pancytopenia (low blood cells)

To manage them, I relied on eating better, medication, and juices with supplements.

After my treatment I continued to keep up the healthier diet, and exercising more than I did before. I spent as much time with my parents as I did before, but I found that intimacy with my partner had fallen by a bit.

With my family, we plan to travel and spend more time together. For myself, I want to travel every year, spend more time with my loved ones and indulge myself.

My biggest dreams are to be healthy, enjoy time with my loved ones, laugh and have a good time.

It’s fear that the disease will progress, that leaves me feeling sad and unmotivated. What kept me going was surrounding myself with happy, motivating and inspiring people. I also rely on watching films, and motivational reading.

Now, I feel confident, courageous, hopeful, inspired and thankful. Parts of me feel happy because I embraced cancer as an opportunity to love myself more.

To others, I would say: “Look inside yourself for the strength you need to make it through. All side effects, such as hair loss or discomfort, are temporary. Turn to a higher being, no matter what his or her name is, for strength from someone who wants us alive, happy, strong and healthy.”