My grandmum and mum both had breast cancer, so I scheduled a mammogram and doctors found a mass in my right breast.

Following my diagnosis, I changed my eating habits and ate more healthily on a daily basis.

Deciding on my treatment plan made me a bit anxious and scared.

My doctor recommended multiple surgeries and therapies, and after doing my own research, I accepted their treatment plan:

• Surgery: Mastectomy (Removal of entire breast)
• Surgery: Lymphadenectomy (Removal of lymph node)
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy

I also take nutritional supplements to support my health through treatment. At the moment, I’m on targeted therapy.

As a result of treatment, I suffered side effects such as fatigue, hair loss and lymphedema. Improving my diet and self-medicating helps me cope with these side effects.

Since beginning treatment, I’ve maintained the changes to my diet and continue to eat healthily every day.

I don’t have big plans, but I plan to go on a trip to visit my relatives in Puerto Rico. In the longer term, I hope to be healthy and cancer-free, spend more time with my parents, and get a house with my girlfriend.

Throughout the experience with cancer, my biggest fears have been of dying from cancer or complications, and recurrence. I prayed and sought comfort from my parents and extended family to overcome these fears.

Till this day, I’m still numb and resentful about my cancer diagnosis.

It isn't always going to be a smooth journey, but try your best. Do as much as you can.