Because of my age, I was advised by my family doctor to do a mammogram. I also experienced some breast pain.

Since then, I started eating a healthier diet most days and exercised 50% more.

Following my doctor’s recommendations and my own research, I did a mastectomy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Deciding on the plan made me a bit more motivated, but I was still a bit scared and anxious. I tried traditional Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements as well to aid my recovery.

Thankfully, now I’ve completed treatment, and I’m in remission.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting.

To manage them, I relied on medication from my doctor and eating better.

In the long term, I’ve started to eat healthier 7 days a week, and doubled my exercise since my cancer treatment. I also started spending more time with my children, and we go on more family trips each year now.

Before I knew I had cancer

• Spent time with my children 6 times a week
• Went on 1 family trip a year

After knowing I had cancer

• Spent time with my children 9 times a week
• Went on 3 family trips a year

I’ve made plans for a family trip back to China to visit my extended family. I’m now retired, so I just want to spend some time with my kids and grandchildren. My biggest dreams now are to retire comfortably and see my kids and grandkids grow up.

Having cancer motivated me to quit my job, which previously left me unhappy and gave me a lot of stress. I wanted to spend my time better with people I love instead. I want to see my loved ones while I'm happy and healthy, not in pain, and to live to see my grandkids get married.

It’s fear that the cancer will come back stronger or if the chemo and therapy didn't work. Still, I found support from friends and family. My daughter is encouraging me to see a therapist.

Now, I feel neutral.

To others, I would say: “It's a long journey and you may feel discouraged from time to time. But step back and think about the people who love you and support you.”