What happened, in summary

Shamala found a small lump near her right breast and sought medical attention because it felt out of place. Testing led to a diagnosis of Stage II breast cancer. The diagnosis brought fear, sadness and a strong sense of helplessness, but she focused on what she could control by improving her diet and increasing exercise. Her doctors recommended breast-conserving surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The treatment course was difficult, and the approach had to be adjusted when the initial plan was not working as hoped. Shamala experienced fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting and used medication, nutrition changes and other self-directed strategies to cope. Today, she says she is free of cancer and in remission. She still lives with some fear of recurrence, but she tries to focus on the present and on the people around her. Looking ahead, Shamala plans to travel to India with her parents and take holidays with her husband. Her experience has changed her perspective toward gratitude, small victories and spending meaningful time with loved ones.