It all started when I found a lump in my left breast. I went to the doctor and got several tests done—mammogram, biopsy, and histochemistry test. The results came back, and just like that, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

After the diagnosis, I realized that my life had to change drastically. One of the first things I did was decrease my smoking frequency. Before my diagnosis, I also used to drink quite a bit—about 10 drinks per week. I cut it out of my life completely.

Right now, I'm still receiving treatment. When my doctors first laid out the options, they recommended a pretty aggressive approach: surgery (mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. It was overwhelming, but I trusted their expertise.

I sought a second opinion to find out about more treatment options, just to be sure, but I decided to go with the initial recommendations in the end. Making this decision wasn't easy, but it was based on what my doctors advised. I didn’t seek out alternative treatments or change the plan once we started. It felt right to follow their lead.

When I first decided on this treatment plan, my emotions were all over the place. On one hand, I was extremely angry about the whole situation, but there was also a strong sense of relief that we had a plan in place. I felt slightly discouraged, but I remained hopeful.

Currently, I'm still undergoing treatment.

I had a few side effects from cancer treatment. The top 3 were hair loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

I managed these side effects with prescribed medication.

Financially, the treatment has been a huge burden. I am unemployed and rely on my daughter to help cover the costs.

I didn’t make many permanent changes to my lifestyle during treatment beyond what I had already adjusted. However, one significant shift was how often I communicated with my family now as compared to before. Before my diagnosis, I never really called or texted my parents, but that changed drastically. Now, I contact them almost daily. It’s funny how a health scare can make you realize what truly matters. Of course, I also continue to spend lots of time with my children and go on family trips together.

Looking ahead, I’ve started making plans for myself and my family. For my family, I want to spend more time together and travel. Those moments of connection have become incredibly important to me. Personally, my dream is to visit my daughter who lives in France.

My dreams and aspirations are to see my children and grandchildren succeed professionally. It’s a source of motivation for me, knowing that I need to be there to witness their milestones and celebrate their successes.

With my loved ones, my deepest aspiration is to be closer together and travel as a family. These dreams fuel my fight against cancer, reminding me that there’s so much to live for and look forward to.

Throughout my journey to recovery, my biggest fear was my cancer metastasizing.

To overcome this fear, I leaned heavily on the love and support of my daughters and grandchildren. Having the love of my daughters and grandchildren, and being able to spend time with my family helped keep my mind occupied so I wouldn't think about the illness.

Today, I feel optimistic. That’s the best way to describe it. I’m feeling confident, courageous, and thankful.

"Cancer is not a death sentence as long as it is detected early. Be at peace with God and your family".