A 30-year-old woman who thought she had long Covid was devasted to find out the symptoms were actually down to aggressive cancer. Selina Wein says she dismissed the signs and symptoms at first until a friend told her about another woman who had died of cancer in her 30s.
Then she found a lump in the shower.
Selina said:“The first signs were extreme fatigue—I was constantly exhausted, barely able to go anywhere, and found myself needing to sleep all the time. I even Googled the symptoms of long Covid, assuming my exhaustion was a combination of overwork and lingering effects of the virus.
“Interestingly, I also noticed changes in my vision; everything felt blurry, as though it was wrapped in cotton wool. I remember telling my boyfriend at the time that something felt off with my body, though I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.”
Her best friend shared a story about a young woman who had died of breast cancer in her 30s. “At that moment, I had a gut feeling. I was 30, and I could have something serious. A few days later, I found a little lump in my left breast while in the shower.”
Now in remission, Selina said: “Yes, I am in remission. I finished chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and currently, I am on an anti-hormone treatment because my tumour grew due to my oestrogen.”
Selina’s approach to her diagnosis wasn’t just about medical treatment. She delved into the world of nutrition and made significant changes to her diet. “When it became clear that I would need chemotherapy, I immediately knew I wanted to strengthen my body as much as possible so it would have energy reserves for the challenging times ahead,” she says.
Her research led her to foods known for their immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. “I started incorporating these insights into my daily life and noticed that I felt stronger and healthier than ever before. I managed to get through chemotherapy and radiation therapy very well, and now I feel very good and healthy.”
Selina now shared videos on TikTok under the title “What cancer doesn’t like.” She said: “The idea for ‘What cancer doesn’t like’ was a completely spontaneous thought after grocery shopping. Looking at my purchases, I realised I had read about the positive properties of every single item I bought.
“Since it frustrated me when doctors told me there wasn’t much I could change in my daily life, I felt compelled to share this knowledge on TikTok—whether for someone in a similar situation or anyone simply looking to eat healthier.”
Selina shares her daily routines with her followers, emphasising whole foods and natural remedies. “I love to start my day with celery juice because I noticed how much it influenced my overall health when I started. I include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, and cauliflower because sulforaphane has anti-cancer properties.
“I eat a lot of nuts, sweet potatoes, and quinoa, and I hardly eat processed food anymore. Raw garlic, turmeric, olive oil, ginger, lentils, beans, fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, and drinks like green tea or matcha are staples in my diet.
“When I was first diagnosed, on the one hand, I could hardly believe it; on the other hand, everything suddenly made sense. It was a relief to finally know what was wrong with me. It took me about a day to realise what was happening, but then I knew I had to look into the future. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance against me.”
The physical toll of treatment was tough, but Selina found ways to cope. “It was hard over time to look in the mirror and see how I was losing more and more hair. Seeing my family and friends worrying was also difficult for me.”
Her support system played a critical role in her recovery. “My family and friends were there for me around the clock. I didn’t sleep one night on my own during the 4.5 months of chemotherapy. When I celebrated my 30th birthday after chemotherapy, almost thirty friends flew to Berlin just to be with me. I will never forget this day.”
Selina has also made fitness a priority in her life, recognising its positive impact. “Since daily walks and regular physical activity can have a significant positive impact on cancer prevention, treatment, and overall health, I try to be more active. I try to do my daily walks to gain between 5,000 to 10,000 steps with my dog and also do strength training and Pilates.”
“During chemotherapy, I noticed the positive effect of meditation on my stress levels. So if I get stressed, I try to do some breathwork or meditation. I also check my vitamin D levels regularly and hardly drink alcohol.”
Selina’s new perspective on life has brought her joy. She said: “I don’t get stressed by little things anymore. I’ve never laughed so much in my life since the diagnosis because, interestingly, I feel a new freedom.”
“If I can reach even one person who might currently be going through cancer, and if I can give that one person optimism and positivity through my TikTok videos, then I’ve already achieved what I wanted.”
For those newly diagnosed, Selina has a powerful message: “The word cancer instils fear in us, but you are not alone. Don’t let external circumstances take away your strength. Everything is a process, and it’s normal to feel afraid. But it can also be an opportunity to turn your life around. It can be your biggest school in life.
“Take your illness into your own hands. Don’t underestimate the power of your mindset, your thoughts, and your health habits. Stay positive—it can teach you so much about yourself that you can be forever thankful for.”