Francisca, Kenya

Iam Francisca. A breast cancer survivor. 40 years old and a mother of 3. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.It was a time that the whole world was experiencing COVID-19 pandemic.I was confused and scared.I was then a private school teacher.Schools were locked down and so I had no job.Had no money and everything just felt like hell.I went through chemotherapy,surgery that was delayed due to I tasting positive for the corona virus then 20 sessions of radiotherapy.Being triple negative was not put on any other drugs.My menstrual cycles that had long gone with treatment came back the same month that I finished treatment.It came again the following month and went missing by the third month.I went to see the doctor after 6 months post treatment only to find out that I was pregnant.The doctor requested for an abortion which I refused.Everyone was against the pregnancy including family members.The doctor told me to carry my own cross.Stayed with the pregnancy for 11 months.I was scared but eventually gave birth normally to a beautiful girl in2022.We are now 2years and 8 months and I thank God for this far.I thank warriors of hope foundation for holding my hand during my journey when I was left to carry my own cross.They were always there to cheer me up during the pregnancy period and my baby has always been a warriors of hope baby.I also thank Amani counseling institute for giving me the chance to do a certificate in counseling.I also thank Coast Hospice for the teachings.I also thank Afc- Afresh chapter for offering me the tools to help me cope with the daily challenges in the cancer journey.I also thank my family for standing with me.And more thanks to Mary Nafula for being that friend that is always there in all seasons.