Erny, Indonesia

The Moment of Diagnosis
"I remember examining myself and finding something unusual. It was a small lump, and I couldn’t ignore it. I went to the doctor, and after some tests, they told me it was breast cancer. Surprisingly, the one who seemed most affected wasn’t me, but my husband. He was visibly shaken and overwhelmed by the news. I had to reassure him, even though I was processing the diagnosis myself."

Overcoming the Challenges
"The treatment process was very challenging. Chemotherapy drained my energy, and surgery was tough on my body. But my family’s support kept me going. They were always there, reminding me that I was strong enough to get through it. My husband, after the initial shock, became my biggest supporter. He stood by me every step of the way, helping me stay positive."

The Role of Community
"One of the most helpful things was joining a support group for cancer survivors. Listening to their stories made me feel less isolated. I realized that I wasn’t alone, and there were people who truly understood what I was going through. Sharing my story with them gave me strength, and their encouragement meant the world to me."

Finding Purpose
"Going through this made me realize how important early detection is. That’s why I always tell women to do SADARI (self-breast examination). It’s such a simple thing, but it can save lives. If I hadn’t done it, I might not be here today."

A Message to Others
"To anyone going through this, I want to say: don’t give up. You are stronger than you think. Trust your doctors, lean on your loved ones, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s hope, and life after cancer is possible."

"Cancer taught me to appreciate life more and to find strength in the little things. I hope my story can inspire others to take charge of their health and to never lose hope, no matter how hard the journey might seem."