It started when I woke up in the middle of night due to a sudden pain. The pain concentrated at one area of my body. I was eventually diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 75-80%.

After hearing the news, I was:

• Frightened, nervous and worried
• Disappointed and felt a sense of grief
• Disillusioned and perplexed

I was skeptical about my diagnosis so I sought a second opinion to consult a more experienced doctor.

I started eating healthier every day and exercising more.

My treatment journey was tough. As recommended by my doctor, I underwent

• Mastectomy (complete removal of breast)
• Lymphadenectomy (removal of affected lymph node)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy

It was a difficult decision, leaving me feeling angry, anxious, discouraged, and scared. So I sought a different opinion, hoping to learn more treatment options. Besides the recommended medical care, I chose to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and massage therapy.

My cancer is in remission but I still follow up with hormone therapy.

I suffered fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting but I coped by eating better, exercising more and relying on prescribed medication.

I made changes to my lifestyle, especially in my diet. I aimed for a healthier diet 3-5 days a week, hoping to support my body's fight against cancer. I also find myself exercising more. It's a struggle, but I'm working on it.

Even after the cancer diagnosis, my relationship with my family hasn't changed. I still call and visit my parents just as often as I always did. I’m currently unemployed but I wish to rejoin the workforce. I know it’s very tough.

Beyond that, I just want to live healthily and help many more like me to move on from cancer.

My biggest fear throughout this journey was the possibility of dying from the side effects of the cancer treatments . To overcome it, I listen to and follow my doctor’s advice.

Now, I feel rather neutral.

“Love yourself. Be a beacon of hope: encourage others like you to live on."