Toni's pink diary

At the age of 26, normally you have a lot of plans and dreams for the future. Me, for example, for 2023 had meticulously planned out my entire year, but in mid-June, my life took an unexpected turn. I received a diagnosis that would change my life forever: breast cancer. I was now part of a statistic, as only 0.4% of people between the ages of 25 and 29 get diagnosed with this disease.

I have to admit that breast cancer wasn't entirely unfamiliar to me. Unfortunately, I have had family members who lost their lives to this terrible disease. However, there was a significant difference between us: I was in my mid-twenties, and they were over 40.

As I sat there, letting the news sink in, my mind raced with all the things I had lived through and all the things that I still wanted to achieve. Despite the fear and uncertainty that engulfed me, I refused to ask myself, "Why me?" Instead, my first thought was, "How can I beat this?"

I have always been a positive-minded person and those who get to know me soon realize that I like to be the life of the party. Despite the challenge I am facing, I am grateful. You may ask, "Grateful for what?" Well, I am grateful because I discovered the lump in its early stages. I am grateful for the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are treating me. I am grateful that we are already in 2023, and medicine is evolving every day. I am more than grateful for my family's love and support. I am also grateful for my friends and the love and support they have shown me. And mostly I am grateful for God, for making me stronger every day and for having my back.

I strongly believe that sharing my story is an effective way to raise awareness about breast cancer and its indiscriminate nature. This disease can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age, and it is crucial that we spread knowledge and awareness about it. Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to stay strong in the face of adversity and to never give up hope. Coping with cancer is a challenging and emotional journey, but it is possible to find joy in small things and maintain a positive outlook.

Welcome to Toni's Pink Diary, a place where I share my experiences, thoughts, and feelings about breast cancer. I believe that sharing my journey with others not only helps me cope with the disease, but also serves as an awareness tool for readers.