I had a very visible mass in my right breast. After my diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer, I went for a second opinion as I wanted to consult a more experienced doctor.

I worked on eating healthier every day.

After doing my own research, I chose to do a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, as recommended by my doctors. Deciding on my treatment left me feeling angry, anxious, scared and discouraged.

Currently, I’m in remission but I’m still taking immunotherapy.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss, nausea, vomiting and weight fluctuations. To manage them, I relied on prescribed medication.

I faced some financial challenges as I could no longer work like I did before, and my income declined.

I tried my best to commit to healthier eating on a daily basis.

I found myself spending more/less time

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 5 times a week
• Visited my parents 6 times a week
• Spent time with my child 8 times a week
• Went on 5 family trips a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 7 times a week
• Visited my parents 9 times a week
• Spent time with my child 9 times a week
• Went on 8 family trips a year

In the next two years, I hope to travel with my son to see more places. For myself, I want to continue to serve others, and to live. My dream is to see my only son have a fulfilling career.

It’s not being able to live to see my son succeed. I was able to overcome this first with spiritual help, and then with the support of my cancer foundation's psychologist.

Now, I feel more thankful, confident, courageous, hopeful and inspired.

To others, I would say: “Don't give up, there is a God who can help you out of this, your family needs you, and the most important thing is that we’re here to be a living testimony for all those who need it.”