I started having an engorged breast and inverted nipple. These symptoms prompted me to see my doctor, and after a while, it led to a breast cancer diagnosis.

My emotions were all over the place. I was frightened at first and the fear was overwhelming. The diagnosis got me very worried and vulnerable. The resentment and disappointment engulfed me that I felt numb eventually.

The diagnosis changed me. I cut down my alcohol intake from 7 to 2 drinks a week.

My treatment journey was tough but necessary — mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy were all part of it. I did my own research. My doctor's advice guided my decisions. Initially, I felt angry and scared, but I grew hopeful as the treatment progressed. Currently, I’ve completed most of my treatment, and I’m in remission, but I’m still on hormone therapy.

Side effects like hair loss, numbness (peripheral neuropathy) and some swelling (lymphedema) were challenging, but I managed with prescribed medication.

Life after treatment brought significant changes. I stopped drinking alcohol altogether and increased my exercise by 50%. Family remained my priority; texting and visiting them stayed constant. Planning for the future, we're all eager to travel overseas together.

My biggest dream now is to stay healthy, work less, and enjoy life more.

My biggest fear throughout this journey is that I would get cancer again. However, there’s nothing I can do about it.

After completing the treatments, I'm now optimistic about my life ahead, and specifically, I feel confident, hopeful and thankful.

Take one day at a time, ask questions, get dressed up and wear makeup if you can to your treatment. It might make you feel a lot better.