When Nina Lopes was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 36, she underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a round of surgery.
She received the good news that she had no active cancer cells left in her body but unfortunately in August of 2021, she was re-diagnosed with stage four, triple negative metastatic breast cancer.
Despite her diagnosis, Nina remains determined and focused on her campaign for breast cancer awareness and uses her platform to educate women on potential symptoms and the importance of checking their breasts regularly.
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Most of all, she is heralded for her inspirational posts and can-do attitude, demonstrating that getting through the darkest of days can be made that little bit easier by adopting her type of mindset. As part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue, HELLO! spoke exclusively to Nina, who shares her personal advice…
6 top tips for keeping a positive mindset while navigating cancer
1. Start your morning with daily affirmations and rituals
“When I wake up, I take time to say thank you for another day. I direct all my energy towards those I love first. Everything else and everyone else can wait."
“I also love to listen to a podcast while I get ready that will teach me something and uplift me. This really changes the way my day begins.”
2. Set an encouraging mantra for yourself
“KEEP IT MOVING! Mentally I tell myself this daily, especially when life starts to slip away from me."
3. Keep active if you can
“I have always been a very active person, going to the gym gave me time to work on myself and I love that time. Having cancer, you feel that you have lost control over your body. When I dance, I gain all that control back and I feel free and light, all my worries disappear and for a few hours - I am living.”
4. Surround yourself with a good support system
“A strong support system is key in getting through life! I have a very small but extremely tight circle. They uplift me daily and when they sense that I need a little pick me up, they are right there to make me laugh and pull me back to the present moment."
“These special people mean the world to me. Each one plays a role in keeping me sane through it all. All of this would be unbearable without them, especially my daughter.”
MORE: 5 inspiring quotes from celebrities about breast cancer
5. Disconnect to reconnect
“I really believe in sharing good energy and when I am feeling like I’m running low, I disconnect. I have therapy and I make sure that I spend my time doing the things that nourish my soul and heart. I disconnect to reconnect.”
6. Live in the present
“I remind myself constantly that I am still living and loving and for now that is all I need and want.”
READ: The breast cancer signs and symptoms you need to know
Follow Nina’s journey on her Instagram @frodayss and donate to her living fund at gofundme.com
