I'm Lena, a breast cancer survivor.
After discovering a lump in my breast, I was eventually diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
I was treated with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy which has since been completed.
I did a self-check on my breasts and got worried about a lump in my breast. After going to the hospital for proper confirmation, I was formally diagnosed with breast cancer.
When I was diagnosed with stage 2 disease, I was sad and disappointed but optimistic and hopeful at the same time.
I didn't make any changes to my lifestyle post-diagnosis.
I underwent a lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) to remove the tumor together with chemotherapy, after considering my doctor's recommendation and doing my own research.
The treatment itself brought on some side effects, namely nausea and vomiting, but I didn't do anything to manage them.
My lifestyle after starting treatment didn't change, but something else has changed — my relationship with my loved ones. Since my diagnosis, I contact and visit my parents more often.
My plans include going to my brother's graduation next year and being close to my family. For myself, I just want to be healthy again.
I feared dying of cancer. To overcome this, I seek out other cancer patients online and read about their stories too.
Today, I feel thankful and optimistic.
If I could tell anyone going through this what I've learned, I'd say this: You're not alone. Be kind to yourself. Cancer is not your fault and sometimes it's just bad luck that we have it but we must put our best foot forward.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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