I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after changes in my nipple and pain in my breast prompted a preventive examination.
Breast cancer does not run in my family, and I am the first in my family and generation to have the disease. After noticing that my nipple felt a bit different, and experiencing a strong stabbing pain in my left breast, I discovered my diagnosis through a preventive examination. Thank God. I sought a second opinion and was confirmed to have stage 2 breast cancer. The doctor informed me that my 5-year survival rate was 90%.
Honestly, I felt rather optimistic, courageous and thankful when I received my diagnosis.
Post-diagnosis, I made it a point to cut out sugar, improve my diet and eat less meat. Apart from this, I didn’t make any other lifestyle adjustments.
My doctor recommended a mastectomy and chemo as part of my treatment plan.
Trusting in his expertise, I followed through with it, feeling happy, motivated and somewhat relieved after deciding on this plan. I finished my last round of injections on September 19, 2023, and have since completed active treatment.
Hair loss and weight fluctuations were the two side effects that affected me the most over the course of treatment. I managed them by exercising more regularly and improving my nutritional intake.
More importantly, I took up self-control therapies and healed myself with positive thoughts, God willing.
After treatment started, I adjusted my lifestyle habits by exercising more regularly and eating a healthier diet every day.
Some of my plans for the foreseeable future include traveling, learning how to drive, continuing going for walks and visiting both family and friends.
My dreams and aspirations revolve around supporting my 10-year-old daughter, learning English and being able to travel. As for my family, may God continue to keep them with me for a long time, and may we enjoy quality of life together.
I tried not to have this fear, but I feared that I could not finish my journey with satisfaction. I try to overcome this fear every day. I attend sessions with a psychologist at a cancer support organization and take advantage of all the workshops they offer.
It’s been a couple of years since I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I still feel optimistic, hopeful, inspired and thankful. Moreover, I’m surprised because I didn’t expect to take it so casually.
All human beings have a life story, but only a few can give a testimony. When we get sick, it's not just a body to heal, but a guilt to heal, a memory to forgive, a story to be grateful for, and a mind to cleanse. Everything passes; we are women and men warriors.
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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