I was diagnosed with triple negative (ER-, PR-, and HER2-) breast cancer. I had been feeling unusually sore and discomforted while doing floor exercises in a yoga class. I had this symptom for a few days before I decided to seek medical help. This was what eventually led to my diagnosis.

When I was first diagnosed, I was angry. I had had a mammogram nine months earlier and nothing was detected then. Two years before diagnosis, I had also been called back for a more detailed ultrasound. They saw something on the ultrasound but did not do a biopsy.

As of 2025, I have completed treatment; I am in remission and not taking medication. As part of my treatment plan, I had chemotherapy (first AC then Taxol), a mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast), and radiotherapy. I was declared cancer-free in February 2025. I covered all treatment costs myself.

After deciding on my treatment plan, I was fearful, which is normal, but angry that I was put in this position because of someone’s mistake! I also opted for breast reconstruction, but am still waiting on the procedure. I was lost in the system AGAIN!

The most severe side effect I experienced was hair loss, followed by lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy. I managed my side effects by self-medicating. Lymphedema was a struggle to deal with every day; they tell you you’re at risk of getting it but don’t tell you how to prevent it.

My future plans include keeping myself fit and going through my bucket list – just in case I don’t get the chance in the future.

I did not continue working after I was diagnosed with cancer because I was no longer physically able for my previous job.

After being diagnosed, I faced challenges in my self-esteem and image, my social life and relationships with my loved ones, and my day-to-day life. My self-esteem and image affected me the most. I still haven’t gotten through this challenge, but I try to just get up every day and move as much as I can.

For me, the most challenging aspects of cancer were the emotional and psychological impact, changes in my body image and/or appearance, the fear of recurrence, and learning how to cope with a ‘new normal.’ I learnt to cope by just getting on with it. I had no other choice.

My biggest fear throughout this journey was the fear of the cancer returning and the fear of not being able to continue with normal life or activities. I tried to overcome these fears by engaging in mindfulness and relaxation techniques, focusing on physical recovery and staying active, joining a support group and connecting with other cancer survivors, and focusing on positive thinking and gratitude.

However, today, I still feel angry because if I’d had a biopsy, the outcome could’ve been totally different.

If I had to give practical advice to other cancer patients, I’d tell them that diet is only part of it. I’ve known vegan nutritionists who grew their own vegetables and cooked from scratch but died of cancer. So, now I take everything in moderation. Have the cake, drink the wine and buy the shoes. There’s not one of us getting out alive! Do the things you’ve always wanted to do while you can. Don’t stress about the small stuff, it’s not worth your time. Get out every day in the fresh air and keep as mobile and motivated as possible. Get your dental work in order before your start treatment. One thing I wish I’d known before treatment is to get my dental work in order. Treatment is very hard on the mouth.