10/01/2026
š October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month š
This month means something very different to me now.
Many of you know me as the owner of Humble Hands Cleaning Services. Some of you have watched me build this little business from the ground up, and some of you were clients during a time when I was walking into your homes, smiling and working while quietly wondering why my body hurt so badly.
I blamed it on cleaning.
I blamed it on getting older, menopause, being out of shape and adjusting to a physically demanding job.
But my body was trying to tell me something.
For months I experienced extreme fatigue that sleep couldnāt fix, nausea, and persistent pain in my hips, lower back, legs, shoulders and neck.
In January 2026, an ER visit changed my life.
I learned that I had Stage IV metastatic breast cancer that had spread extensively to my bones.
I had been getting regular mammograms, and because I have very dense breasts, I had repeatedly been called back for additional imaging. In 2024, I received another callbackāand after years of going through the same routine and ultimately being told everything was okay, I made the decision not to go back.
I wish I had.
Iām not sharing that to scare anyone or to blame myself. Iām sharing it because maybe someone reading this needs the reminder I needed then:
Please make yourself a priority.
Get your mammogram. If youāre called back for additional testing, go. If something in your body doesnāt feel right and it continues, donāt automatically dismiss it as age, menopause, stress, anxiety or being out of shape.
Advocate for yourself.
Itās been nine months since my diagnosis, and Iām still here building Humble Hands, loving my family, receiving treatment and making plans for my future.
Cancer is part of my story now, but it is not the end of my story.
And to every Humble Hands client who has shown my family, my team and me kindness, patience, encouragement and support throughout this yearāthank you. You may not realize how much it has meant to us. š
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please take care of the people you love.
And donāt forget that includes you. š
ā Dina
Humble Hands Cleaning Services