Hi, I’m Sofia, from Colombia. I’m a survivor of stage 1 breast cancer.

I noticed pain in both breasts about two years before finally getting my diagnosis, after a few delays.

I felt a burning sensation in both breasts, so I went to see a doctor. I was sent to a nurse to be examined, and two small balls were found. Still, the doctor checked me and told me there was nothing wrong.

Two years later I returned to the doctor because I felt pain in my breasts again. They sent me for a mammogram which didn’t show much, as well as an ultrasound and MRI. In the ultrasound, they found two cysts in the right breast. They did three biopsies, and it took over three months to deliver the results, which were all negative. They scheduled a follow-up in three months when I had moved to another city. In January 2019, my general practitioner referred me to the gynecologist and then an oncologist. I had to do another mammogram and biopsy, and waited for the results. Then the oncologist told me that I had stage 1 breast cancer.

Other than that pain, I also noticed irritation of the breast skin. I was told by my doctor that I had a 100% 5-year survival rate.

I started eating healthier every day.

At first, my doctors recommended mastectomy, lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes), chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

I decided to follow this plan, and it made me relieved, hopeful and happy. After everything, I’m now in remission and no longer taking any medication. I’ve been cancer-free since 2023.

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

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

Unfortunately, my income decreased due to my illness.

I tried my best to continue eating healthy every day.

Before I knew I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 0 times a week
• Visited my parents 1 time a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 4 times a month

After knowing I had cancer

• Called/texted my parents 4 times a week
• Visited my parents 10 times a week
• Spent time with my children 10 times a week
• Was intimate with my partner 0 times a month

I don’t have any plans for the near future. I merely hope to do things better. As for my dreams, I don’t count them.

I was afraid that the treatment would not work. What kept me going was positive thinking.

Now, I feel optimistic and thankful.

“Even if the treatments are harsh, you should believe that everything will turn out well.”