My journey with breast cancer did not begin with my own diagnosis.

In 2003, my elder sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. I stood beside her through every stage of her illness, supporting her in whatever way I could. Watching someone you love fight cancer changes you forever. When the cancer returned in 2004, we once again held on to hope and prayer. But in 2005, we lost her. She was only 33 years old.

Her loss left a deep wound in our family. It also left me with a quiet awareness of this disease. I had seen what breast cancer could do.

Years passed, and life slowly moved forward. In January 2022, I was expecting my baby. Like any mother-to-be, my thoughts were filled with excitement, hope, and dreams about the new life that was about to enter our home.

Then in May 2022, I felt a lump in my breast. When I mentioned it to some people around me, many reassured me that it was probably nothing serious. Some older women said that such lumps are common during pregnancy because of milk or hormonal changes. Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and it is easy to assume that such symptoms are normal. Still, something inside me told me not to ignore it.

I went for medical testing and had a fine needle aspiration (FNA). Unfortunately, the sample taken during the procedure was not adequate for proper analysis, and the result did not give a clear answer. At that time, I continued to keep an eye on the lump.

On 4 September 2022, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. Holding her in my arms was one of the happiest moments of my life. My doctor reassured me that the lump might reduce after breastfeeding. I continued to feed my baby and hoped that it would eventually disappear. But in December 2022, I noticed something worrying. The lump had grown much larger. I went back for further testing, and this time a biopsy was performed.

The diagnosis came while I was sitting in my office. The result was clear: breast cancer. Hearing those words was terrifying. Memories of my sister came flooding back. I had watched her fight the same disease years earlier. Now it was my turn.

At that time, I remember trying to turn the page of the calendar on my desk, but I suddenly felt unable to move my hand. It was not an ordinary calendar. Each page carried a verse from the Holy Qur’an and a Hadith. The verse written on that page read: “Oh Allah, hardship has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy”. And the Hadith beside it said: “Allah has not sent down a disease without also sending down its cure.” In that moment, I felt as if those words were speaking directly to me.

For a few moments, I sat quietly, holding on to those words on the calendar. They reminded me that even in illness, there is hope, patience, and the promise of healing.
When I approached a major cancer hospital for treatment, I faced another shock — my case was not accepted there. For a moment, it felt as though all the doors had closed in front of me. I remember sitting there wondering what I should do next.

But I want to share something important with every woman reading this: if one hospital cannot take your case, it does not mean that treatment is impossible. It does not mean that hope is gone. Do not stop trying. Seek another opinion. Visit another hospital. Keep moving forward until you find the care you need.

In my darkest moment, I turned to my faith. I prayed to Allah for strength, guidance, and patience. Those prayers gave me the courage to continue. I went to another hospital and began my treatment.

My treatment started with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was not easy. It brought many physical challenges and difficult days. The side effects were exhausting, and there were moments when my body felt completely drained. But I kept reminding myself that this treatment was part of my path toward healing.

During this time, I was fortunate to have a strong support system around me. My workplace showed incredible understanding. They reduced my workload and working hours so that I could focus on my health and treatment. Only a few colleagues knew about my illness, because I chose to keep it private.

One of the most painful decisions I made was not telling my parents and siblings about my diagnosis. Our family had already lost one daughter to breast cancer. I could not bear the thought of putting them through that fear and pain again. So, I carried this burden quietly.
Even so, I was never truly alone. My doctors, friends, and loved ones supported me throughout my treatment. Their encouragement helped me stay mentally strong during the most difficult days. During chemotherapy and later during radiation therapy, I met many other patients whose experiences left a deep impact on me.

One woman told me something that broke my heart. Her family believed that cancer was infectious. Because of this misunderstanding, they had separated her room from the rest of the house. Her utensils, towels, and personal belongings were kept separate. She was already fighting cancer, yet she was also facing isolation in her own home.

Cancer is not contagious. Patients need compassion, love, and support — not fear and separation.

Another experience stayed with me for a long time. I met a woman who had developed breast cancer for the second time. The recurrence had shaken her trust in medical treatment. In her desperation, she went to a spiritual healer who told her he would treat her only if she stopped all medical treatment. Even though she was an educated woman, she believed him. She delayed her medical care. By the time she returned to the hospital, the disease had progressed too far. She eventually lost her life.

Her story left a powerful lesson in my heart. Faith and prayer can give us strength during illness, but they should never replace proper medical treatment. Seeking timely medical care can save lives.

After completing chemotherapy, I underwent surgery. Following the operation, a surgical drain remained in place for 15 days. It was uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but I reminded myself that every step was bringing me closer to recovery.

My doctors advised me to perform arm and shoulder exercises regularly after surgery. They explained that if I did not do these exercises, it could lead to long-term pain and reduced movement in my arm. I followed these instructions carefully because I wanted to regain my strength fully.

After my surgery, my mother came to visit me at home. Mothers often understand things without being told. She looked at me and quietly said that she knew I had the same illness my older sister once had.

Before leaving, she gave me her prayers. That moment strengthened my heart. Her words, her faith, and her love made me even more determined to continue fighting. After the surgical drain was removed, I continued my treatment with radiation therapy.

Looking back on my journey, I have learned many important lessons. Cancer diagnosis often requires multiple tests and investigations. Sometimes the process feels long and frustrating, but these tests are necessary because they help doctors understand the disease and plan the best treatment. I also learned that a breast lump should never be ignored, even during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If something does not feel normal, it is important to seek medical advice and follow up if the problem continues.

Most importantly, I realized the power of support, faith, and determination. The encouragement of people around me — my doctors, friends, and colleagues — helped me stay mentally strong. My faith gave me patience and hope during the darkest moments.

Breast cancer is a difficult journey, but it is a journey that can be faced with courage. Even when the path becomes uncertain, we must hold on to hope and continue seeking help.

Because sometimes, survival begins with the simple decision not to give up.