In 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 22 years old. At that point, my chances of being hit by a bus were greater than to be diagnosed with "the silent killer". “It’s a breast mice- don't worry,” I was told, but a lumpectomy was scheduled to be on the safe side. My life was saved at that point. A day after my surgery, I was told I had Stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma... What did that even mean? For me it meant losing my life, losing my hair and losing my womanhood. Everyone seemed to think I was lucky. "You're lucky you got it so early", “you’re lucky the doctors acted so fast", "you’re lucky you didn't lose your breast." I was grateful for being alive, but was it luck? Was I lucky that this disease chose me? My first visit to the oncologist, I was greeted by her kind smile, only for her to say, "I'm sorry to say but you WILL lose your hair." That was my breaking point. This was real. Nevermind going through early menopause. I was 22 and I had cancer. What was so lucky about that? I was lucky that I was young, but was I? There was no luck here. My life seemed over. Cancer not only altered my physical being but my mental being too- I would have to quit university. Being sick from chemo and twiddling my thumbs at home... seemed like a death sentence. Boy was I lucky. It was only when chemo started that I found strength in me I didn't know existed. I realised I was young- so young that after treatment I would still be in my 20s. Things weren’t over for me. This is when I realised the luck on my side was not my age nor my fighting strength. It was the love, support and encouragement of my family & friends. No matter how young or old you are. We all have the same lessons to learn. So yes, I AM very lucky. I am now 25-years-old, and I kicked cancer.

Sonia Singh
Durban, South Africa