I'm Anjali from India, and I have 2 kids. I was only 40 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

I was only 40 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. I was experiencing shortness of breath and felt like there was always something stuck in my throat. Whenever I would try to raise my hands over my head, I couldn't breathe. That's when I went to a doctor, who suggested that I get a CT scan. Unfortunately, the cancer had already spread by then. I still tried to get a second opinion from a more experienced doctor.

Other than shortness of breath, I faced chest pain, and just felt very tired all the time.

I changed up my diet to eat better most days and cut down on smoking.

Since my cancer was spreading I could not get a surgery and had to go under clinical trial and went through 4 rounds of chemotherapy and medication for a few years. I stuck with chemo as per my doctor's recommendation. I felt in-between emotions, but a little hopeful.

During my treatment I dealt with fatigue, hair loss, and weight fluctuations, that I tried to handle with better eating and medication. Luckily, there was no financial strain for me.

I started losing hair and felt exhausted so I stopped working for some time. After treatment started, I continued with the changes to my lifestyle, trying to make them permanent, such as having a healthier diet. Been keeping in touch with my parents more often since the diagnosis, and visiting them too. I tried to spend more time with my kids as well. Intimate time with my partner didn’t happen as often, but we made it work sometimes.

I plan on getting better and start working soon and get back to my daily routine of playing with my kids and spending time with them.

I wanted to see my 2 kids grow and that's what kept me motivated throughout my journey. I wanted to live with my children and my family as long as possible.

My biggest aspiration was for my kids to have a mom and I wanted to do everything like I used to and not let my cancer hold me back.

While my medical team was treating me well and giving me the right plan, personalised just for me, my fear was that I would not be able to live the same way, even if I recover. I try meditation to overcome my fears and also breathing exercises which calm me down.

Right now, I'm feeling neutral.

To those facing the same journey, remember this: “It’s a very difficult time for the person diagnosed, as well as their loved ones. Everyone should try not to break down, and keep fighting for their families.”