Salema, Egypt

At first, the weight of a cancer diagnosis felt too heavy to bear, and the thought of treatment seemed like an impossible journey. I was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, unsure if the battle was worth fighting. 

I am Salema, a single mother of two, I have been divorced for ten years and have been fully responsible for my children since the time of my separation from their father. They became my primary focus ever since.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, a diagnosis that followed three years of denial and fear. Despite noticing a breast lump, I avoided seeking medical attention, primarily driven by a deep-seated fear of the diagnosis. Even when my sister suggested we go for a check-up, I totally ignored the idea. As time passed, the lump began to grow which caused a noticeable change in the shape of my breast.

During that time, a friend of mine urged me to seek Baheya Foundation, and that was the first time I had heard about this place. Initially, I was reluctant to go there, given that it was a charitable institution, and I had concerns regarding the quality of service.

The fatigue started to affect me severely due to my worsening condition, so I reluctantly decided to visit Baheya and see what would happen. When the doctor examined me, he asked how long it had been since I noticed the symptoms. I falsely told him that I had been feeling symptoms for only six months.
At that moment, I felt his concern when he emphasized the importance of immediate medical assessment as soon as noticing the symptoms and highlighted the potential risks associated with the delay. He asked me to start the necessary tests that same day, including mammography, ultrasound, and a biopsy, so we could start treatment immediately. Of course, I was in disbelief because of the speed at which things were progressing.
The initial diagnosis revealed stage four breast cancer, requiring immediate chemotherapy and subsequent mastectomy.
Naturally, my mental condition was deteriorated, and I expressed significant distress because I never imagined I would get cancer.

Strangely, my father had been battling nasal cancer for three years before his death, and I was the one who took care of him throughout his illness and was responsible for following up on his condition with the doctors. However, when the doctor asked me if there was a family history of cancer, I completely forgot about my father’s illness due to the shock.

I initially struggled to accept the doctor's diagnosis, experiencing a state of denial. So, I sought second and third opinions from other medical professionals to confirm the diagnosis, and they both confirmed that the diagnosis from the doctor at Baheya was correct, and that the treatment plan he suggested was the best for my case.

Throughout my treatment, I prioritized shielding my children from the emotional impact of my illness because I know that I am their source of strength, and I should not show weakness in front of them. However, the demands of chemotherapy necessitated disclosing my condition.  

I completed chemotherapy by God’s grace and underwent mastectomy, and currently receiving hormonal treatment and attending psychological support sessions at Baheya.

This experience has transformed me, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I now embrace life with renewed appreciation and a deeper understanding of my own strength.