Samia, Egypt

Breast cancer may have been an unexpected challenge, but it didn’t define me. It empowered me. My story is one of transformation, from a moment of fear and uncertainty to a place of strength and hope. In overcoming this battle, I learned not only to fight for my life but also to appreciate the beauty in every moment, and, when possible, to help others while fighting their own battles.

My family has a history of breast cancer, with my mother having been diagnosed over a decade ago. Despite finding a lump in my own breast should have been a red flag for me, I neglected to follow up with medical attention. When I eventually went to get examined, I didn't feel at ease in the place I went to. It didn’t feel welcoming. That’s when I remembered that my sister had previously sought treatment at Baheya Hospitals and Centers after discovering a benign lump. I then contacted them and secured an appointment two weeks later.

On August 17, 2023, I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. After undergoing mammograms, ultrasounds, and a biopsy, I returned ten days later. The doctor informed me that I needed surgery followed by radiotherapy. However, after the surgery and analysis of the biopsy, it became clear that chemo was also necessary. I felt devastated, as if my world had turned upside down. I worried about the potential physical change associated with chemotherapy, particularly hair loss, as I had frequently heard about these side effects.

At that moment, the doctor explained everything in detail and calmed my fears. The psychological support team, composed of young men and women, came to reassure and comfort me. Their words and support were a great source of comfort, especially despite being married and a mother, I chose to attend my hospital appointments alone. I wanted to see who would care for me and support me without me having to ask. Unfortunately, I did not receive the attention I had hoped for, which led me to decide to face this experience on my own.

But to my surprise, I was not alone. My new friends became my family, providing me with a strong support system. My favorite day became the day of my chemotherapy session. People are usually scared and anxious before receiving a dose, but I felt happy like a child every time because I was going to see the people there, and meet my friends who were going through the same thing. I offered support and encouragement to each patient, leveraging my own experiences and the empathy I felt for their situation, particularly recalling the challenges my mother faced during her illness. I forgot that I was sick and provided the support that I myself needed.

During my treatment, I participated in a bead-making workshop provided by the psychological support department, and started teaching other cancer fighters how to make candles and handcrafts using flowers. No one can imagine the impact this had on my mental state during treatment. And of course, I cannot ignore the role of the psychological support sessions we attended with the psychologist and the support team, which had a significant impact on my mental condition along with all the fighters’. These sessions, workshops, and all the other activities gave me positive energy and an indescribable hope for life.

Thank goodness, I have completed all stages of treatment and am now in the hormonal treatment stage. I want to say that I have found a big home here, with family and friends who are a true support system. I found a hand that patted me on the back all the time.