My cancer was found after I did a check based on my family history. For instance, my father died of metastatic stomach cancer. My aunt died of breast cancer. Another aunt had breast cancer twice. My cousin had breast cancer. Another cousin had uterine cancer.

I also experienced a change in the breast shape and thickening of some areas of my breast.

I felt a range of things at the time, including feelings of:

• Nervousness, being overwhelmed, worry
• Powerlessness and vulnerability
• Courage and thankfulness

After my diagnosis, I tried my best to eat better each day.

Altogether, I’ve gone through mastectomy, lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. When I first started treatment, I felt quite neutral.

For chemo, I tried paclitaxel, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin and an antibody-drug conjugate.

I’ve also tried massage and nutritional supplements.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Hair loss

To manage them, I relied on eating better.

Unfortunately, my family and I did face some financial difficulties. My husband couldn't work because he was taking care of me.

I committed to eating better every day.

I found myself spending more time in contact with my parents, but the amount of time I spent with my children didn’t change. We did go on fewer family trips, though.

In the next 2 years, I hope to go for a family outing, and spend as much time together as possible with them. My biggest dream is to watch my children grow up.

It’s the fear of leaving my children alone. What kept me going was enjoying the time with my children that God gives me.

Now, I still feel a range of emotions:

• Sad, neutral
• Optimistic, hopeful
• Courageous
• Thankful

To others, I would say: “Pray, only God knows what happens to everyone and only God is in control of everything.”