Fighting for Vaida: Nina’s Breast Cancer Battle

My Name Is Nina, and This Is My Story

Hi, my name is Anina, but everyone calls me Nina. I’m 37 years old and a proud mother to my beautiful 10-year-old daughter, Vaida, who has special needs and is the light of my life.

One day while showering, I found a small lump in my breast. At first, I wasn’t too alarmed, but because cancer runs in my family, I decided to have it checked out. My grandmother beat uterine cancer in the early ’90s, but sadly, she passed away from lung cancer in March of 1998. Her sister also lost her life to breast cancer.

After seeing my gynecologist, she recommended a mammogram, which I had on December 31, 2024. The doctor then advised me to have a biopsy, and while I tried to stay positive, I started to feel nervous.

On January 14, 2025, I had both a biopsy and a second mammogram. Just a few days later, on January 17—while I was at work—I received the call that turned my world upside down: it was breast cancer, Stage 3.

I was devastated. My first thought was of my daughter. How would I get through this for her? What would this journey look like?

On February 26, I underwent a mastectomy, and I am currently going through chemotherapy. The treatment has been incredibly tough on my body, and I’ve had to stop working due to the physical and emotional toll.

This is not the life I imagined at 37. I’ve always been independent and rarely ask for help, but right now, I need to. Whether it’s financial support, a kind message, or even just sharing my story, anything helps.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping me fight.

With love and hope,

Nina