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Don't forget to like and comment!

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My first diagnosis dates back to 1996, when I found a small lump in my breast.

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In 2004, a second small lump appeared in my other breast.

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I was shattered and felt very scared.

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The first time I had breast cancer, I underwent a partial mastectomy, followed by radiotherapy.

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I took medication and was on hormone therapy for five years.

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The operation took place in Cyprus, before the cancer had been diagnosed.

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Then I went to London for radiotherapy.

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I was very fortunate to be able to go to London.

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At that time, the latest radiotherapy equipment was not yet available in Cyprus.

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When you undergo breast surgery, your whole being is affected, your femininity, your body.

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When I had a mastectomy for the second time, I also underwent breast reconstruction,

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which helped me to feel better psychologically.

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I think it is very important for us to have these choices.

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I always used to love swimming. I love swimming and I love the water.

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It gives me a sense of freedom, particularly after the operations and therapy treatments.

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Swimming helped me to regain my rhythm.

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Some other women and I created Europa Donna Cyprus,

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whose aim is not only to support women and their families,

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but also to try to enable women in our country

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to gain all the therapy and diagnosis they are entitled to at European level.

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My cancer experience allowed me to change my view of life.

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I see life as a glass half full and never half empty.

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This has helped me to be a lot more positive and creative and to change my priorities.

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On a human level, it has enabled me to be fairer to others.

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I wish that no woman ever has to live through this experience alone.

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Europa Donna Cyprus