I began feeling a pain in my left breast. Over time, a part of my breast started to harden, and it wasn't just a small area. After taking Vitamin E, it got worse—over 60% of my breast became hard and reddish. I was really worried, but every time I went for an ultrasound, the doctors told me it was something fibro-cystic. But the pain didn't go away, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and paid for additional ultrasounds myself.

Finally, when I saw my gynecologist, he got alarmed and referred me to an oncologist surgeon, my current doctor. During my first consultation, without even seeing my ultrasound results, he performed a physical exam and told me it was likely inflammatory breast cancer.

He immediately ordered a biopsy and a series of other tests to see how my entire body was doing. My doctor was very clear: this type of cancer was extremely aggressive, and if I didn't act quickly, I might not make it to December. This was in early June 2022. He even suggested I reach out to a foundation run by his wife, who could help expedite my test orders. That’s how I got my first diagnosis.

After being diagnosed, I made changes to my diet. I started eating healthier every single day.

I underwent a

• mastectomy
• lymphadenectomy
• chemo
• radiotherapy

Initially, I felt quite relieved and hopeful after deciding on my treatment plan.

For my chemo treatment, I’ve tried

• doxorubicin
• paclitaxel
• cyclophosphamide
• carboplatin
• capecitabine
• gemcitabine

Unfortunately, I had to change my treatment when the cancer came back in my other breast.

This new development left me feeling more anxious, discouraged and scared. Other than medicine, I also took some nutritional supplements to support my recovery. Currently, I am also on pain medication.

Unfortunately, the side effects of hair loss, nausea and vomiting affected me the most. I also had to deal with hand and foot syndrome, which took a toll on me.

To manage these, I took medicine that my doctor recommended. I also faced some difficulties with money for food and transport to the doctor's office.

One of the biggest shifts has been in my diet. I've committed to eating healthier every single day.

I call and text my parents less often, and haven’t found time to visit them as much. I still manage to go on at least one family trip a year with my children.

For my family, I want to travel as much as possible and to be able to share more with my children, husband and family. For myself, I want to continue steadfastly in God's ways and work for His plans.

My biggest dream is to travel to another country. Honestly, you have to live in the now and do everything you can because today is for living, especially when tomorrow doesn’t exist.

The fear of dying is still here, as long as the cancer is in my body. It's difficult because the doctors don't give much hope, but I trust in God and we know that everything that happens is for a purpose.

Today, I still feel fearful. There’s a sense of grief and isolation when I think about how I feel right now. but I’m a little bit optimistic now too. Amidst all this, I’ve also grown to feel more confident, courageous and thankful for where I am now.

To those who are currently on their own cancer journey, I want to say this:“Stay strong, doctors can say many things and even predict how long we have left, but there is only ONE GREAT CREATOR and everything is under His control. He is the ONLY one who can decide how long we are in this world and even give us the peace and strength we need to endure so many trials and hope because this world is temporary. Our greatest inheritance is in the kingdom of heaven, and it is not only for us who are physically ill but for every human being who wishes to seek Him with a sincere and true heart.”