

My name is Belsy, a secretary in Colombia.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer over three years ago.

I was taking a bath when I noticed what felt like a little ball. Unfortunately, I was told it was one of the most severe and aggressive tumors possible.
After my diagnosis, I felt isolated, lonely and powerless. I felt vulnerable and fearful about what would come next.


One of the first things I changed was my diet. I shifted to eating healthier every day.

When it came to treating my breast cancer, the plan was comprehensive. My doctors recommended a combination of breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. I decided to keep my breast, rather than undergoing mastectomy.
Initially, I was angry about the situation, but I was still relieved and hopeful to have a plan.
Thankfully, I was declared cancer-free in March 2023.

I didn’t experience significant side effects from my treatment or medication. Unfortunately, I had difficulties financially. They charged for everything related to laboratory tests and medical appointments.

I continued the healthier diet, making sure to keep at it every day. I wanted to make a permanent shift towards wellness. Unfortunately, I couldn't go on as many trips with my family, but I still talked to them as often as before. Intimacy with my partner also fell by a bit.

For my family and myself, I want to travel a lot, and I want to live and enjoy every moment to the fullest. My biggest dream is to work, to live in peace and to think about my happiness for the first time.
I want to see my parents enjoy life, watch my nephews grow, and travel with my parents—and I’ve already started doing this with my dad.

I thought I would not be able to cope with the diagnosis. Still, with perseverance, I could get through it. Besides, I have the best family in the world; without them it would not have been possible. Although God was always my main focus, faith then family. To get through this, praying was the only way for me. I feel at peace when I seek God. It may sound strange but I feel alive when I pray when I talk to God.

Now, I feel optimistic; I have newfound confidence, courage and hope. As I go forward, I feel inspired to live life, as well as thankful.

To those currently navigating their own cancer journey, I have this to say. “I was told it was one of the most severe and aggressive diagnoses, but I looked at myself in the mirror and said if cancer doesn't kill me, depression will kill me. I stood up and told myself it was just a diagnosis and that only God is in control of my life, only God decides about my life and I would like to give that encouragement to all those women who don't let themselves get discouraged that it is very easy for some people to give their opinion but a word of encouragement is very useful to me, it helped me a lot to talk to people who are positive about life. I don't have children but I have a great family, a God who was with me, a God who is with me and a God who will always be with me, don't doubt it, don't doubt that God exists, I was touched by God three times in my life when I didn't want to go on, that's why I want to raise my voice to more brave women, it's only a diagnosis.”
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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