I’d noticed arm and shoulder pain, which made me go for a doctor’s visit. Beyond that, I also had changes in my breast shape and size.

I found myself eating unhealthier quite often, but I still doubled how often I exercised.

Under my doctor’s guidance, I chose to do a mastectomy, lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. It made me happy and relieved to finally decide on it.

After going through everything, I’m now in remission, and still taking hormone therapy.

The worst for me was hand and foot syndrome. Still, I managed it with prescribed medication. Affording treatment was difficult at times, as I couldn’t work and I lived in a rural area.

I continued with my lifestyle, eating unhealthier somedays, but still exercising twice as much as I did before cancer. I found myself spending a lot more time with my parents and my kid, seeing them around 10 times a week, much more than before my diagnosis. Unfortunately, intimacy with my partner fell by a little, as compared to before.

In the next 2 years, I hope to visit the beach with my family, and learn an artistic craft. My biggest dream is to see my daughter excel in her career, and I hope my loved ones will continue to have work.

I was very afraid of the physical changes that could happen, as well as about having to move to a relative’s place. I’m still afraid the illness will return.

I’m thankful for the support so far. I feel a lot more optimistic, confident and courageous.

To others, I would say: “Have courage, strength, and resilience.”