I am a very positive person and strongly believe that if something has to happen it will. My resolve to get better helped me fight and I tell everyone never to lose hope. Prayers of my family and friends also gave me a lot of hope. ‘If you pray then don’t worry, and if you worry then don’t pray’ is my motto in life.

I was in England those days. One day I noticed a lump in my left armpit but didn’t pay much attention to it as there was no pain. But eventually when I felt pain in the same area I consulted a doctor who advised me to get a biopsy done.

I returned to Pakistan but as the pain had subsided I delayed the doctor’s advice. Later, my leg started aching and I visited the doctor. An MRI of the backbone along with a mammogram revealed that both areas were cancerous. The biopsy confirmed breast cancer.

Since two areas were involved, the oncologist first started radiation therapy for the affected vertebra and for two weeks I had a session daily. This was followed by breast treatment. As the doctors did not opt for an operation, I was put on medication and monthly injections. It has been nearly four and a half years and I take injections every three months now.

My brother who is a doctor gave me a lot of support and encouragement, and so have my other family members and doctors.