Ana, Portugal

My name is Ana, I was 28 years old when I found out I have Breast Cancer.

Right at the beginning I felt very lost and alone. I had just discovered I had breast cancer, lost my job because I was sick, and months before that my grandpa had died of Leukemia after 25 years of battle to stay alive. It was a rough year for me. I always had the support of my boyfriend, my family and my closest friends, but this is a battle where you almost always feel alone.

I had a great medical team, but they wouldn't talk to me, they would say that they had a plan and that I need not worry.  

After the surgery, I started to get depressed. I was used to doing everything by myself, and now I had to rely on others to do simple tasks. 

I think one of the hardest parts almost no one talks about, is the fact that when you find out you're sick, people around you tend to make it about themselves. Don't let them. It doesn't matter if they're friends, family, or whatever. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you and listen closely. Take care of yourself. It's nobody's fault, much less yours. Start living and taking care of your body and mind.

I've left the house I used to live in. I've let go of "friends" and family members who were only pulling me down. 

I now work from home, paint whenever I want, and most important of all I finally get to decide every aspect of my life.

A year and a half has passed since my surgery and now I can do everything, slowly but surely.

I'm now doing routine blood work and imaging and also taking Tamoxifen. The pain sometimes is still unbearable, but I manage.

Just keep swimming. 🩷