I noticed some discharge from my nipple, which made me go see my doctor.

Post-diagnosis, I cut down on my smoking.

My doctors recommended a lumpectomy, which I agreed to do. After deciding on it, I felt hopeful and a bit happier, relieved and motivated.

Eventually, we also decided to add on chemotherapy as well. I did face some issues during treatment, as it was difficult to get my insurance provider to cover my surgery at first. But after months of chasing them, they did cover it.

The side effects that affected me the most were:

• diarrhea
• fatigue
• hair loss

which I managed by eating better.

I didn’t make any further changes.

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 3 times a week
• Visited my parents 3 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 5 times a month

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 7 times a week
• Visited my parents 7 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 0 times a month

In the next two years, I’m finally going to the Maldives with my husband! Hopefully I’ll be healthy and fit during my trip. I hope to pamper myself when my hair grows back longer.

My biggest dream is to publish a book or journal about my experiences, and donate to cancer foundations. I also want to grow old with my husband and build my own family.

I am still very scared of cancer and the treatments. The whole experience is daunting. To deal with it, I confide my true feelings in my husband and my friends. They’ve been very kind and supportive, which makes me feel more hopeful instead of sad.

Now, I feel optimistic, confident, and thankful.

To others, I would say: “Trust your community! It goes a long way in helping you achieve a peace of mind. Go to all your appointments even though you’re scared of possible news that the cancer is worsening. Trust that you are strong enough to get through this.”