I noticed a lump in my left breast when I was putting on clothes. It did not go away after a few months and I decided to go for my first mammogram 5 months after I first detected the lump.

I began eating healthier on most days and bumped up my workouts by at least 50% more.

At first, my doctors recommended quite a few options:

• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy
• Lymphadenectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy

In the end, I wanted to conserve my breast so I opted for:

• Lumpectomy
• Lymphadenectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy

I felt quite anxious and scared at the time, but I was still motivated about the plan ahead. My doctor has declared that my cancer is now in remission, but I continue with hormone therapy.

The side effects that affected me the most included: diarrhea, hair loss, and a change in my tastebuds. I started noticing a metallic taste, making eating extremely unenjoyable

I managed with prescribed medication. Beyond that, I just don't eat as much due to the taste bud changes and ended up losing 15kg.

I still eat healthy most days a week, and I actually stick to my new exercise routine the best I can.

I've become closer to my parents since my diagnosis. I text and call them a lot more, even just for a quick chat. Sometimes, I even visit them a bit more often than I used to.

For my family and I, I hope we can pray more, help even more people, travel more if possible. Personally I also want to help animals, and tone down my career aspirations.

My biggest dream is to get my own pet dog. I told myself once I recovered, I’ll be able to have the physical strength to take care of one. With my loved ones, I also hope to move out of our current flat to a newer one.

I think all cancer patients/survivors' main fear is the risk of relapse. It will make all the physical and financial sacrifices a waste. I really dread that. I had to be on 1.5 years of unpaid leave while undergoing treatment. Finances are definitely a concern, but with insurance (personal & group), some subsidies and savings, I’m still able to tide through this one round. I can't imagine the financial burden should there be another episode especially since I'm uninsurable now.

With this fear, prayers help. I’m focusing on helping others and animals. I donated to a lot of causes. I felt good being able to help those less fortunate. I've slowly come to accept life is transient, thus I want to help as many people and animals as possible. I want to make a positive impact on their lives with whatever remaining lifespan I have. I adopted another 2 terrapins, in addition to the original 4 (also adopted) I have. Next thing will be to adopt a dog.

I feel like it’s not the end of the world, now. I have more confidence and courage, and I feel more hopeful, inspired and thankful each day.

Nowadays, cancer may not be a death sentence. It's so prevalent with 1 in 4 Singaporeans getting it. With early discovery and intervention, you have a good chance of being cleared and still live a good, long life. In fact, it will become a turning point in your life where you will reassess your priorities. What used to be important may not be material anymore. For me, chasing after money and career is being replaced by helping others and animals. It's a more fulfilling life this way, where I'm happier than before. The side effects from the various treatments are undeniable, but it will slowly improve/subside with time. Just continue to be more prudent with our diets, exercise and rest. I just did a lot of stretching exercises daily as opposed to being sedentary in the past. The remnant is my "chemo brain" which is still affecting me till now. We may never be 100% like before, but don't forget, we have been dealt a hard blow, a dent is to be expected. Spend more time with your family and loved ones. Life is really more than just working and earning money. I've learned to embrace my religion even more. Finally, with faith and perseverance, face it, conquer it, we will all be at the finishing point rallying for you.