I did it! I’m finally through it. This journey has been anything but easy, and I have learned that I am anything but weak.
The past year has been a year of recovery, courage, strength, and becoming the most fearless and confident version of myself. My scars are not something I hide anymore. They are a badge of honor, a reminder of the strength I found within when I needed it the most.
I still remember October 2023, the day I was diagnosed. For a moment, everything around me went silent. I felt blank, but only for that one minute. The very next thought in my mind was, “What’s next?” I didn’t give myself time to break down. I knew I had to fight, and I fought bravely.
I underwent surgery, and before the treatment could take my hair away, I made the decision to cut it off and donate it. That gave me a sense of control and purpose. But after my first chemo session, I woke up to clumps of hair on my pillow. It was heartbreaking. I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and got my head shaved. Later, I chose to use a wig. The first time I wore it, I felt uncomfortable and not like myself at all. But with time, I learned to accept myself in every form. Slowly, I even started stepping out without a wig, feeling more brave and beautiful than before.
Chemotherapy was not just physically painful; it was emotionally exhausting. After every session, the weakness would pull me down. What hurt the most was being away from my kids who were just 6 months old at that time and not being able to care for them the way I wanted to. But in my heart, I knew I was fighting to return to them as a stronger mother, someone they would look up to.
Losing my hair, eyebrows, and even my eyelashes was not easy. I tried everything possible to keep myself distracted, to stay positive, and to find small moments of strength. My husband, my family, and my children stood beside me every step of the way. Because of them, I got through it.
And then came the day, exactly one year ago, when I was told that my treatment was finally over. I will never forget that moment. It felt like taking the first deep breath after being underwater for too long.
Today, I’m sharing some of my best memories from the past year because they matter. They remind me of how far I’ve come, and why it is important to cherish every part of this journey. I hope that one day, my story becomes someone else’s survival guide, helping them believe that they too can get through even the hardest days.
