I had an “all clear” mammogram 3 weeks prior to feeling a lump under my arm in the shower. At the time, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2012, specifically TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer), with about a 51% 5-year survival rate.

The only thing I felt was frightened.

I began to eat a healthier diet every day and started exercising more.

My treatment plan included breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), surgery to remove the lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. I couldn’t have hormone therapy as I had triple-negative breast cancer.

I decided to follow this plan based on my doctor's recommendations. With their help, I felt quite motivated and hopeful. Sure enough, today I’m thankful to be in remission and free of cancer.

The side effects were tough. I had fatigue, hair loss, and lymphedema. I managed these by focusing on my exercise, but I didn’t do much other than that.

During treatment, while I relied on exercise to relieve my side effects, I found myself exercising less than I used to. Still, I tried to keep eating healthier daily. I started contacting my parents more often as well.

In the next two years, my plans revolve around travel and family time. For my family, I dream of traveling together and making new memories. My biggest aspiration has always been to survive and enjoy my grandchildren and family. Spending time with my loved ones has become my primary focus and motivation.

Throughout my journey, the constant, nagging fear that the cancer would return was my biggest fear. I did my own research to find out what the life expectancy was for Stage 3 TNBC survivors. At the time, the prognosis was not good, and it was difficult to find positive outcomes. I also knew no one with the same diagnosis.

Even now, the fear of cancer returning never goes away. I still feel worried.

To those currently battling cancer, my advice is: "As much as it may sound very 'cliché,' try to remain positive and believe that you have been cured from cancer, that the treatment has killed every last cell of cancer in your body! Work hard to establish a healthy lifestyle that works for you, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. I’d recommend regular yoga and meditation."