Mona, Egypt

I first discovered my illness when I noticed some blood on my shirt. I got scared and went for a check-up to find out what was happening. At the time, the doctor told me there was a high probability it was a tumor. When I went home and told my sister, she recommended I go to Baheya Foundation for an examination.

I followed her advice and went there for a check-up. Following the initial assessment, I underwent a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. That’s when it was confirmed: I had breast cancer. It was a massive shock for me, and my entire family felt that same shock when I told them. However, that initial shock faded quickly, and I began to accept the situation and face it with a calm mindset. My main concern was a medical condition I have where my body constantly forms blood clots; I was afraid this would cause complications during treatment, so I made sure to inform the doctors so they could take the necessary precautions.

My first chemotherapy session was incredibly exhausting. It was during Ramadan and I was fasting; I didn't realize at the time that I shouldn't take the session while fasting. As a result, I remained severely fatigued for ten days afterward. Over time, however, I began to learn the 'dos and don'ts' of chemotherapy and what kind of diet I needed to follow to take care of my health.

I have always been a strong person, but going through this illness made me much stronger than I ever was. I knew I had to stay strong and stand on my feet for the sake of my family who leans on me, and my children who see me as their source of strength. There was simply no time or room for weakness.

I found all the support I needed in my family and my children, who were constantly trying to make me understand that this was just a phase that would pass, and that we would get through it together. My husband was also my biggest supporter during this time.

Despite all this support, cancer has, unfortunately, turned my world upside down in a negative way. Hormone therapy has had a profound effect on me, leaving me feeling depressed and sad all the time. I feel like I've lost my health and that I’ll never be the person I used to be. I used to have the strength to do anything, but sadly, that is gone now.

I am a very affectionate mother, and I used to spoil my children, never making them do anything around the house. Unfortunately, since getting sick, I can no longer handle the housework like I used to. Because they weren't used to helping, I now wish I had taught them to be more self-reliant from the start, so I wouldn't have to feel this sense of helplessness I feel now.

They are trying to help now, of course, because they’ve started to realize I’m no longer the same person I was before. I know this is a difficult stage, but I have hope that it will pass and that I will return to my normal self again.