At first, I felt a lump whilst breastfeeding. I got it checked out by my gynae, who thought it might be clogged ducts, but further tests showed it was stage 2 breast cancer.

Post-diagnosis, I started eating healthier every day.

My doctors recommended mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. I did some research of my own as well, and in the end, we did those, as well as hormone therapy. I felt a little angry, discouraged, as well as quite anxious and scared when starting it. I did take some nutritional supplements to support my recovery as well.

Now, I’ve completed my treatments and am in remission.

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

• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

I managed them by eating better and relying on medication from my doctors.

I stuck with the healthier diet, and tried to keep to it every day.

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 2 times a week
• Visited my parents 0 times a week
• Spent time with my children 5 times a week
• Went on 1 family trip a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 4 times a week
• Visited my parents 1 time a week
• Spent time with my children 8 times a week
• Went on 3 family trips a year

In the next two years, I plan for my family and I to travel to see my parents in Chicago, and for me to go back to work full time. My biggest dream is to see my daughter grow up healthy, it motivated me to stay strong for her. I hope for a happy and healthy family.

My biggest fears are recurrence, spread to other parts of the body, and the long-term side effects. I tried to talk to my doctors about it and rationalize my fears.

Now, I feel more optimistic, hopeful and neutral.

To others, I would say: “A cancer diagnosis is not the end. Take care of yourself.”