When I first discovered a small lump on my right breast, my primary care physician referred me to a clinic for a mammogram. The doctor was the worst; she rattled on and on about my weight, and when I told her I was struggling to lose weight, she brushed it off. I sought a second opinion at another cancer center because she didn’t give me enough information, and eventually I was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer.

After being diagnosed with cancer, I tried to change my habits by cutting back on alcohol, though I still have an occasional drink once a week. I also made it a point to eat better and more nutritious meals daily.

The treatment plan I was recommended included:

• Surgery: Mastectomy (Removal of entire breast )
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy

After doing my own research, I agreed with my doctor’s recommendations and followed through with it. Right now, I’m on hormone therapy, and I also take nutritional supplements. Unfortunately, I had some financial difficulties as the insurance company doesn’t cover hormone therapy, and I had to pay for it upfront.

The most prominent side effects I experienced from treatment were fatigue, nausea and vomiting and peripheral neuropathy. Eating better and self-medicating helped me cope with these difficulties.

Even after treatment, I continued to maintain a daily healthy diet, and I also put more effort into exercising. My relationships also changed through the course of my cancer journey; I contacted my parents more often, but I was also less intimate with my partner.

Though I was diagnosed with cancer, I still had many short-term and long-term things to look forward to, such as going on a camping trip with my in-laws and growing my handmade soap business.

I dream of selling my soaps in stores like Walmart or Target, which has sort of motivated me to recover and get back to work as soon as I can. I hope to go on more family trips and spend quality time with my husband and parents.

My husband and I are thinking of trying for a baby but we’re worried about my fertility after chemo and radiation.

One of the biggest fears I’ve had is cancer derailing my career goals. I try to cope by doing my best to stay fit and healthy for treatment so I can recover and do my best for my business.

While the anger and resentment has worn off, I’m still nervous and worried about my cancer.

If you feel that your doctor isn’t giving you enough info or isn’t treating you with the right care, please exercise your right to a second opinion. I don’t know what would’ve happened if I didn’t seek a second opinion.