When I was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2023, my life changed. I had just turned 40, been married for three years, and had a young daughter. I was shocked to have stage 4 cancer with hardly any symptoms. I wrote about my early diagnosis and how I was determined to fight for my family.

I wanted to beat cancer for my husband and daughter. My goal was to do everything possible to get better.

I've had many rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and scans over the past few years. My life is about getting through each day.

Life doesn't stop because I have cancer.

As a 40-year-old mom with stage 4 cancer, I want to share my story.

I'm still taking care of my 4-year-old daughter and working as a journalist while getting treatment. It's hard, but my family and job keep me going.

Ashley Papa is getting treatment at a cancer center.

My life is a mix of hospital visits, taking care of my daughter, and working. It's exhausting, but I try to do normal things with my family when I can.

It's hard to keep going when there's no end in sight. Setbacks like hospital stays make it even harder.

I'm 41 with a husband and child, and I won't give up fighting cancer.

Cancer is hard and real. I choose to face it, even when it's tough. I let myself cry and get angry, but I don't quit.

I'm lucky to have people who care about me and my family, even when they see me at my worst.

At first, I thought beating cancer meant having a clean scan or final treatment. Now I know it's not that simple.

People ask why I don't stop working or taking care of my daughter. It's because these things keep me connected to who I am.

I love my job and being a mom. My daughter is smart and healthy, but as she gets older, we have to explain more about my cancer.

Ashley Papa and her family are staying strong.

There's hope for new cancer treatments, like a pancreatic cancer vaccine.

My husband and I have to talk about hard things, like what might happen if I don't get better. It's scary, but we face it together.

This isn't about being positive or strong; it's about facing cancer head-on.

I used to think beating cancer meant having a clean scan or final treatment. Now I know it's more complicated.

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Not having a cure doesn't mean I won't win. My idea of winning has changed.

Now, winning means having the strength to be with my family, finish a workout, or do everyday tasks.

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A friend told me that cancer is just one part of my life story. It's a long and hard part, but it's not the end.

I'm still fighting and praying for more time with my family.

Read more from Ashley Papa.

Ashley Papa is a Senior Editor at Fox News Digital. Follow her on social media or email her.