This all started when I experienced redness and flaky skin on my breast. Since two aunts on my mom’s side had breast cancer, I decided to get a mammogram. Indeed, it was Stage 1 breast cancer.

My cancer diagnosis spurred me to make immediate changes. I exercised twice as frequently as I used to and ate healthier every single day.

This was the initial treatment plan recommended by my doctor:

• Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy

However, as there was a good response to chemo after surgery, I decided to forego radiation therapy, based on my own research and with the recommendation of my doctor. I was scared radiation would affect my fertility, so this was really good news!

This was the final treatment plan that I ended up following:

• Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

The change in treatment plan was a real turning point in the way I felt. Initially, I was very anxious, discouraged, scared and somewhat angry. However, after knowing that the chemo was working well and that I was able to forego radiation therapy, the negative emotions dissipated and I felt more hopeful.

Currently, I’ve finished surgery and chemo and am in remission, on hormone therapy.

Besides medical treatment, I did get massages as well.

My cancer treatment did result in side effects. I experienced hair loss, nausea and vomiting and an infection at the surgical site. I mainly took medication prescribed to me by my doctor and improved my nutrition to manage these side effects.

I made all my lifestyle changes a permanent part of my life. Increased exercise and an improved diet became essential parts of my life.

Being diagnosed with cancer also changed the relationships that I had with my parents, children and spouse. I contact my parents much more often now and spend more time with my children. My relationship with my spouse has been less sexually intimate since my diagnosis, but we make it a point to go on more family trips now.

Personally, I see myself working and traveling for work in the next 2 years. Something to look forward to is that my family and I have planned a trip to Disneyland. My biggest dream is really to just spend more time with my babies. Having a big family and more kids is my biggest dream. It has motivated me to recover quickly.

As for my biggest fear, I was really worried about radiation because I wanted more kids and was scared treatment would affect my fertility.

I did my best to find solutions to overcome this fear. I decided to freeze my eggs before I started treatment, talked to my doctors and gynecologist a lot about fertility and my chances of having more kids after cancer.

It’s been a few years now, and I can say that I feel more optimistic! I’m filled with hope and thankfulness.

The cancer can be long and tiring but hold on! There are better days ahead I promise.