I had an older sister with endometrial cancer (32 years old), mother with breast cancer (both deceased from cancer), and father with prostate cancer. In 2010, I underwent a quadrantectomy of the left breast, during which they removed the milk ducts to prevent future problems. During the 2020 check-up - during the pandemic - an ultrasound and mammogram revealed a mass, and I was classified as BI-RADS 4B. Following the review of the tests by the mastologist, a biopsy was ordered, and in December 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer in the left breast.

I got a second opinion on my diagnosis from the doctor who was previously treating me and who performed the quadrantectomy.

I was also informed by my doctor of my 5-year survival rate which was 90%.

I had a lump, together with inflammation and pain in my breast.

After receiving my diagnosis, I completely turned my life around. I exercised twice as much and ate healthily every single day of the week. I socialize more with my pink sisters and take advantage of and enjoy every moment that God and life give me with the people and things that come into my life.

My doctor recommended a quadrantectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy to treat the cancer.

I sought a second opinion as I wanted to be sure about the decision I had to make regarding the treatment offered by the doctor who confirmed my diagnosis. After confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment by my previous mastologist, I went ahead with the recommended treatment plan. I was also on pain medication and had lymphatic drainage and physical therapies done.

I’ve now completed treatment and am on hormone therapy, and getting lymphatic drainage and physical therapies.

I also took omega-3 krill oil, astaxanthin, zinc, potassium citrate, and magnesium, as well as other nutritional supplements.

After deciding on my treatment plan, I was still angry. I was also somewhat discouraged and scared, but also slightly relieved.

Cancer treatment brought about a few side effects including fatigue, weight fluctuations, pain, mineral loss and lymphedema - inflammation of the left arm and breast. I tried my best to manage these side effects by exercising more, taking the prescribed medication and working on the inner part of my mind and shifting towards positive attitudes.

It wasn’t easy dealing with the financial burden either. I faced financial difficulties due to the expenses incurred in carrying out all the necessary procedures for authorizations, dietary changes, and purchasing other natural medications.

I’ve kept all of the changes I made after my diagnosis, including exercising twice as much as before and eating healthy every day.

Since discovering I have cancer, my sexual activity with my partner has dropped quite a bit and I’ve also spent less time with my children. Frequent family trips are also a thing of the past and we go less often now.

I want to travel… but I haven't been able to do it this year due to a lack of money. Things I want to do are spending time with people and TRAVELING… I want to travel. My family and I will only meet when we can, but I want to see them and hug them every time we can.

I was most afraid of a metastasis or a new cancer. I tried to overcome it by thinking and declaring that everything is going to be fine.

4 years have passed and some things have changed. Now, I feel more optimistic.

Receiving the diagnosis is very difficult and hard to accept, but by shifting to positive attitudes and starting to pursue dreams little by little according to our time and financial abilities, staying busy and always doing things that bring happiness and wellness, being grateful for one more day, for one more opportunity, for everything that comes into our lives, valuing people, starting with ourselves, and always LOVE, despite the circumstances and everything that comes up, wanting to wake up tomorrow and smile, share, and be grateful for every gift that comes into our lives, living as if today were the last day but with the hope of a better tomorrow... LIVE.