There was a lump on my chest, which made me go see a doctor. After that, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Based on my own research, I found out I had a 5-year survival rate of 80%

After my diagnosis, I tried to cut down on smoking.

My doctors recommended the following options, which I eventually took up after doing some of my own research:

• Mastectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy

I felt quite neutral after deciding on my treatment plan. Still, the cost of medication was huge. I’m still on radiotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss, hand and foot syndrome, and weight fluctuations. I didn’t do much to mitigate them.

I no longer smoke that much. My relationships with my family stayed mostly the same, I still spend a lot of time with my children, seeing them at least 10 times a week, while I keep in contact with my parents quite often as well.

For myself and my family, my biggest dream is to travel. It’s what motivates me through my journey.

It’s the fear of relapse and metastasis. I don't want to think too much, and I try to live happily every day.

Now, I feel helpless, overwhelmed and worried.

To others, I would say: “Face the fear of cancer with courage, follow the doctor's treatment plan and live happily every day.”