Hi, I’m Faith. This is my story as a breast cancer survivor.

My path to diagnosis began unexpectedly. After finding out I was pregnant in mid-2021, I mentioned to my obstetrician about lumps in my breasts. There was no unusual discharge or pain, but the concern was there. Following an ultrasound and biopsy, my doctor confirmed that I had stage 2 ER+ HER2+ breast cancer.

In the face of this diagnosis, I took action and shifted to a healthier diet on a daily basis.

My doctor recommended undergoing surgery (mastectomy), chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which I proceeded with based on my trust in his recommendations and having done my own research. But I have to admit, I did feel a little anxious after deciding on this treatment plan.

Treatment brought about its fair share of side effects. The ones that affected me the most were fatigue, hair loss and weight fluctuations. I tried to manage by focusing on better nutrition.

I had to deal with issues related to insurance coverage and claims on top of everything else.

I'm focused on improving my nutrition/diet. I made a commitment to eat healthier, and now, every day, my meals are better. Plus, I've upped my exercise frequency by a ton. I'm moving at least double what I used to. This feels great, and I'm going to stick with it.

Another change — I'm reaching out to my parents more. It used to be that I might text/call a couple of times per week, maybe I'd give myself 2 out of 10. Lately, it's at least half the days of the week — so like that's 5 out of 10. I even visit them more now, even if it's only gone up from once a month to twice. These are small steps, but steps in the right direction.

I've got plans, both for me and my family. We want to travel in the next couple of years. We deserve those adventures, a way to reconnect after all this. Personally, I'm ready to focus on my new job. Getting back out there and feeling productive fills me with a good energy.

But, my biggest dream, the one that got me through the rough days? To see my daughters happy and healthy. Having my second daughter during cancer treatment made things harder, and I worried so much about her. Thank goodness she's thriving. My family, and my faith in God, gave me something to hold onto. That's what kept me going.

The biggest fear, hands down, was the cancer coming back.

Even with the fear, I also felt hopeful and thankful. Thankful for every single day I got to live.

I won’t try to sugarcoat it. There are good and bad days but as long as every day is a ‘I try my best not to give up’ day, it’s good enough. The journey ahead is still unknown, but thank God to be able to wake up every day. Our breasts do not define us.