My cancer was discovered after feeling a strange lump on my right breast, leading to my diagnosis of Stage 2 breast cancer. At that time, I didn’t experience any other symptoms.

With how recent my diagnosis was, I have not yet decided what changes to my lifestyle I may consider.

My treatment plan includes breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy, all based on my doctor's recommendations. When I first decided on this plan, I felt neutral, and a little discouraged at the start.

At the moment, I am receiving chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and nausea hit hard, but I managed them with prescribed medication. It didn’t help that financial difficulties added to my concerns, and I worried a lot about my job and bills, which I would have to pay.

Since treatment began, I haven't made any permanent changes to my lifestyle. However, some aspects of my life have changed. While I still regularly meet and contact my parents, I have not been sexually active. And, though we haven’t been able to travel as much, I have been spending more time with my four children.

Looking ahead, I plan to focus on getting healthy and fit, returning to work, and spending quality time with my family. And, even though I don’t enjoy the planning part, it would be great for the family to go on a holiday once my treatment ends. They've been my rock throughout this journey, and I owe it to them to stay positive.

My biggest fear throughout this journey has been getting sicker and my family worrying about me. For now, I try to take every day as it comes.

While I worry, I try my best to stay positive, take every day as it comes, and spend more time with my family. I’ve also tried to get some fresh air more often, as well as volunteering.

To those on their own cancer journey, I'd say: Stay positive and surround yourself with love.