I have been attending regular follow-ups since 2019, after being first diagnosed in 2017. At the time, I went through surgery to remove the tumor, had chemotherapy and radiation after the surgery and completed all treatments as advised by the end of 2018. This is my second diagnosis in the same breast, but at a different location. This time, my doctor told me I have a 100% 5-year survival rate.

After the diagnosis, I made the following changes — I exercised 50% more, and switched to eating healthier on a daily basis.

My doctors recommended surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, which I took up. Deciding on the plan made me a bit happier and relieved, in addition to feeling quite motivated and hopeful.

However, I faced financial difficulties as I’m not insured and do not have any savings. At the same time, I had just started a new job. I had to resign due to the recovery and treatment process.

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss, appetite loss and weight fluctuations. To manage them, I relied on eating better.

I continued working on exercising more, and eating better.

My biggest worry is the cancer reappearing again after the treatment, especially as the breast cancer was graded 3. What keeps me going is making changes in my lifestyle, eating healthily more often and being more active.

Now, I still feel thankful, optimistic, courageous and hopeful for the days ahead.

To others, I would say: “Do not despair, we deserve to live and be happy just like everyone else. Fight on!!”