I found out after a regular examination, but my sister (breast cancer) and my mother (liver cancer) both had a history of cancer. I had pain from my breast to my back, as well as swelling, and a change in size of my breast.

My doctor told me I had a 70% 5-year survival rate.

When I heard the news, I felt many things:

• Frightened, helpless and insecure
• Nervous, overwhelmed and worried
• Grief and emptiness
• Powerless and vulnerable
• Confident and courageous
• Hopeful, inspired and thankful

After my diagnosis, I started exercising 50% more than I used to, and made sure to eat healthier every day.

Based on my doctor’s recommendation and financial reasons, I eventually did a lumpectomy and lymphadenectomy to remove my lymph nodes. I also did chemo and radiotherapy. My doctor prescribed me some medicine to manage my pain. Starting on my treatment made me anxious, but a bit more motivated and hopeful. To this day, I’m in remission, but I’m still taking oral chemotherapy (Letrozol).

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 5 times a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 9 times a month
• Went on 8 family trips a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 7 times a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 1 time a month
• Went on 4 family trips a year

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 5 times a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 9 times a month
• Went on 8 family trips a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 7 times a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 1 time a month
• Went on 4 family trips a year

With my family, I hope to be together very much, and to look to the future. I want to be able to be with my children for many years to come. My biggest dreams are to travel again and enjoy lots of time with my family, that my children realize their dreams, advance in their projects and get ahead.

It’s to die. I tried to overcome it by trusting God very much.

Now, I still feel:

• Sad, frightened, nervous and worried

Still, I remain:

• Optimistic, confident and courageous
• Hopeful, inspired and thankful

To others, I would tell them to: “Have great faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and be able to face their illness and treatment with hope and strength. ”