Kenny Fabanyo

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kenny shares her story with Breast Cancer and how it is like having roles reversed and living in the perspective of a patient.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I'm Kenny. 29 years old, currently working as a PA & secretary in a private company in property. And I'm a happy breast cancer survivor!

"I have to accept myself physically changing, I have a lot of dreams that have to wait, the time that I could have spent to have fun instead now I just go to the hospital."

Share with us a little bit about your journey with Breast Cancer. When & how did you first discover you had Breast Cancer?

Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28 years old.

I was in the shower when I found a lump in my right breast. It was really solid. Basically, I was really, really lazy to do a breast check beforehand so when I found out there was a lump in my breast I panicked. And then my doctor sent me for USG, and also biopsy. Long story short, it was cancer. I immediately went through 3 surgeries, 8 cycles of chemotherapy and now I am currently still in radiotherapy (wish me luck!).

How has it changed you, the roles you play, and your life in general?

It changes a lot. Not only me but everything else. It changed me to become a better person. I grew to be more patient, more optimistic, more appreciative of time, and grateful for the little things. In essence, I have experienced many positive changes during this 1 year.

"Being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence. We can still do whatever we want to do."

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced throughout this journey?

Acceptance. I can go through all the treatments with a happy heart and with enthusiasm. But at the end of the day, I'm just another human being with insecurities. I have to accept myself physically changing, I have a lot of dreams that have to wait, the time that I could have spent to have fun instead now I just go to the hospital. I'm still in the learning process to accept the new me.

What are some of the motivating factors that powered you through all these challenges?

What motivates me is the emotional support of the people around me, my family, my boyfriend, my friends, and the support groups I join. And I'm bald, it's not an option, so acceptance from my boyfriend and family is one of the many ways of support that can make me feel confident.

What do you look forward to most next?

Being cancer free of course and living my life as a new me. As a survivor. But in the future I really want to be able to often share experiences about Breast Cancer and can be an example of being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence. We can still do whatever we want to do.

What’s one advice you’d share with the #LBCommunity women about Breast Cancer awareness?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers suffered by Indonesian women. And even according to a survey of data from members of Lovepink Indonesia, many young women under 30 years of age have suffered from breast cancer, where breast cancer is usually suffered by women aged 40 years and over. So for all the women out there, don't forget to go for breast screenings early. There are lots of tutorials on the Internet on how to do it. And if you find a lump, don't be afraid to do a medical examination, because not all lumps are cancer. And if breast cancer is found at an early stage, the prognosis is really good. So better start checking your boobs, girls!

What’s one word of encouragement you’d give for all the women in their Breast Cancer recovery journey?

Do not give up. And never ask "why me?" "What went wrong?" Because it's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. Even if you feel that you are no longer able to move forward, continue on this journey towards health. Believe and believe, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. We can do it! Don't ever think that you are not capable of finishing the treatments. Believe in yourself, love yourself.

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