Manal
Life often has a way of testing our strength in ways we never expect.
My name is Manal, and as a Syrian refugee in Egypt, I have learned that resilience is not just about surviving, but about facing every challenge with courage and hope. In 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine checkup led to the discovery of a lump in my breast.
I was scheduled for an appointment at Baheya Hospitals and Centers and underwent a comprehensive medical examination, including a mammogram, ultrasound, and X-ray, and that was when I learnt I had cancer.
I accepted the diagnosis with a calm and steady mind. and immediately informed my husband. The doctor devised a treatment plan involving chemotherapy followed by a total mastectomy of the left breast.
Upon returning home, my children and husband were expectedly devastated by the news. However, I reassured them that I had come to terms with what was to come and that we would get through this. Feeling remarkably strong, I declined to have anyone accompany me during my chemo sessions.
The primary challenge I faced was the considerable distance between the hospital and my home, which proved exhausting, especially after treatment sessions.
Surprisingly, I maintained my strength throughout all stages of treatment. However, after a year and a half, I experienced a severe emotional breakdown, and was overcome by severe depression, particularly during the hormonal treatment stage.
Throughout this ordeal, and from the very beginning of my illness, my family has been an unwavering source of support, consistently by my side.
While the experience of illness has been straining, it made me stronger and more determined than ever before.
