Manal, Egypt

I am Manal, and cancer turned my world upside down!

Before my breast cancer diagnosis, I worked as a teacher. I also gave private lessons after school to students who needed extra help, and I even had my own small business tailoring clothes.

It all started when I felt a burning sensation and pain in my breast. Concerned, I decided to get checked. I went to several different clinics, and every time, they told me nothing was wrong. Eventually, someone advised me to visit Baheya Foundation to seek early detection. I followed that advice, and after an examination, the doctor requested a biopsy to determine the nature of the mass.

Unfortunately, the results confirmed I had Stage II breast cancer. The MDT decided on a total mastectomy, along with the removal of some lymph nodes, followed by eight sessions of chemotherapy.

Regrettably, I had to leave all my work behind because of the surgery and the exhausting treatment that followed. To make matters worse, I was the primary breadwinner; I was the one who provided for all my children’s financial needs. My husband began providing only the bare essentials—like food and water—but we could no longer maintain our standard of living. My children and I could no longer afford the things we were used to.

My husband wasn't just falling short financially; he was unable to support me emotionally or stand by my side. He was paralyzed by fear because his mother had suffered from the same disease and passed away from it. Because of that, he constantly looked at me as if I were already dying.

Throughout my entire treatment period, I had no support system—not from family, not from friends, not from anyone.

Now, I have finished my treatment. My only hope is to return to work, to stand on my own feet again, and to have my own income so that I never have to wait for anyone’s help again.