I felt a tiny lump around my nipple, which led to me getting it checked out by a doctor. I also noticed changes in my breast shape.

But I decided to make some changes after diagnosis, like improving how I ate, exercising more, cutting out alcohol and reducing my smoking.

Since starting treatment, I've permanently cut out alcohol, exercised more than before, chose to eat healthier every day and continued to avoid smoking. I still talk to my parents just as often as before, but I haven’t been able to visit them at all.

I don’t have many plans, except to focus on my health and wellbeing in the future.

My dream is to become a more positive person, and to own my own house - since being diagnosed, my goals have become more important.

It’s rejection - and losing my ability and my own identity. Still, I’m trying to focus more on me - I’m looking to start counseling.

My recovery rate and success has surprised me, honestly. Now I feel more confident, hopeful and inspired. I’m thankful. There’s more optimism now.

To those on their own cancer journey, I'd say “Strength and a positive mindset is important, talk to your friends and anyone else about your diagnosis and journey, it helps keep you focused.”

The doctors recommended a mastectomy and hormone therapy, which I followed through. In the end, I also chose to do a DIEP FLAP reconstructive surgery.

After deciding on my treatment, I felt happy, relieved and hopeful, but still discouraged about the journey ahead.

Thankfully, I didn't experience any side effects from the treatments, and I didn't face any financial difficulties either.