I felt pain in the left breast, and felt a mass. After my diagnosis, I had a friend who was a doctor, so I sought a second opinion as well.

The news of my diagnosis made me feel grief, but I still had some confidence, hope, and thankfulness for the support I had.

After finding out I had cancer:

• I ate a healthier diet every day
• I exercised 50% more than I used to

My doctors recommended mastectomy as well as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. When I decided on my treatment plan, I was still feeling angry, but also motivated and hopeful.

Finally, I was declared cancer-free in November 2023.

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

• Hair loss
• Mucositis
• Vomiting

To manage them, I relied on prescribed medication from my doctor.

After my treatment, I tried my best to commit to eating healthier every day and exercising more than I used to.

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 7 times a week
• Visited my parents 9 times a week
• Spent time with my child 6 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 7 times a month
• Went on 6 family trips a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 9 times a week
• Visited my parents 9 times a week
• Spent time with my child 9 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 1 times a month
• Went on 8 family trips a year

With my family, we plan to travel to Guatemala and Europe. For myself, I plan to continue as a volunteer for the Senosama foundation and to continue my work in the church. Also, I would like to travel with my son, husband and grandson.

My biggest dream is to live every moment as if it were my last day of life, and to stay united as a family.

It’s to die. What kept me going was continuing to trust in God.

Now, I feel courageous, hopeful and thankful.

To others, I would say: “Cancer is a teacher of life, it strengthened my faith.”