I had a mammogram. The hospital called me to inform me that the scan revealed an abnormality and it requires further testing. I was already working in Taoyuan so I had the tests at another hospital. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in September 2023. After doing my own research, I found out my 5 year survival rate was 90%.

I just felt neutral.

I didn’t make any changes.

My doctors recommended lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy, which I did. For chemo, I had paclitaxel.

Starting my treatment plan made me hopeful, relieved, motivated and happy. I had to change my treatment plan midway as my health insurance only covered 9 rounds of targeted therapy (originally, the doctor said 18 rounds).

In terms of side effects, the ones that affected me the most were: hair loss and mucositis. To manage them, I relied on medication from my doctor.

I worked on eating healthier every day. My relationships with my family didn’t really change, we kept up communication as per usual and still went on at least one family trip a year.

My family plans remain the same. My own plans are to save enough money to travel the world. I don't feel terrible about getting cancer. On the contrary, I'm happy to know that I don't have to live to a ripe old age. For my loved ones, my biggest dream is for them to live happily.

I didn’t have big fears. Perhaps, it was that I’d live too long before dying. Instead, I feel relieved after getting cancer.

I’m optimistic. I don't want to live to a very old age, so I don't think cancer is scary.

To others, I would say: “Every life is a journey, just have fun!”