As a current Breast Cancer survivor in remission, Vivienne shares that if she’s given a chance to rewrite her history, she would not change a single thing.

As seen on Vivienne: Hailee Drape Jersey Top
 (White), Emerson Tailored Cuffed Shorts (Dusty Pink)

Vivienne Wong, 36. Professional singer, emcee, voiceover artist, copywriter, coffee addict. Diagnosed with Stage 2A Breast Cancer in 2017. In remission since 2018 :)

In April 2017 at age 32 I felt a lump near my right armpit while showering. I knew I had to be careful because my mom also had breast cancer young, but I thought “I’m too young still to have cancer…it must just be a cyst or dense tissue.” 

I forgot about it for a few months… or perhaps I just didn’t want to think about it (by the way - I highly recommend you do NOT do what I did!). But in August that year I decided to book a full health screening that included a breast ultrasound.

On the morning of 15 August 2017, the ultrasound tech scanned the area where I’d felt a lump, and she asked “Have you gotten this checked before?”. That was when I knew something was up. My fears were confirmed when that afternoon the health screening called me and said the doctor wanted to meet me ASAP. 

Her first words to me that sank my heart were: “You need to see a breast surgeon immediately.” 

The next few days were a blur as I went through a mammogram, biopsy and PET scan. I was rapidly diagnosed as having Stage 2A Triple Positive Breast Cancer, a less common and highly aggressive sub-type. I quickly underwent a single-side mastectomy and reconstruction just 2 weeks later, followed by 5 months of chemotherapy, 25 cycles of radiotherapy, 9 months of targeted therapy and 5-10 years of hormone therapy (which is still ongoing now).

Cancer has made me experience the extremes of light and dark in life, like nothing else has before. It showed me that life is beautiful, and not something to be taken for granted. It also reminded me that I am painfully mortal - I no longer see myself as young and invincible, the way I used to - and my time on Earth is precious and limited. Post-cancer, it’s shaped me to want to live more carefully, purposefully and at the same time, much more joyfully.

I made lifestyle changes for my health – I used to be a major couch potato but I now try to do 30 min of cardio a day. I also try to avoid processed meats and increase my veggie intake. So I feel fitter and in better shape today than I did before I had cancer! I’ve also been much more careful about how much stress I give myself. I used to want to be a workaholic, and I can still feel that ‘kiasu-ness’ in me, but I am teaching myself to recognise my body’s limits, so that I know when to let go, step back and recharge.

Writer John Piper famously said “Don’t waste your cancer”, a phrase I didn’t understand fully until about a year had passed after my treatment and I could look back more objectively on my experience. While Piper meant this in a spiritual/Christian context, I think it is also applicable in a non-religious sense. I didn’t want all the lessons I learned during cancer to go to waste; I decided I wanted to draw on my journey to help others on theirs. This is why I approached BCF after I'd recovered to see how I could play a role in supporting other young women fighting this battle. I am part of the BCF Young Womens’ Support Group. Aside from the monthly support meetings, we also have a very lively Whatsapp chat where we talk about everything and anything to do with treatment and survivorship – eg experiences during chemo, tips to manage side effects, diet, hair-wraps and wigs, fitness, skincare, and even dating/relationships… the list goes on! I've had the privilege of performing at the Pink Ribbon Walk in 2019, and sharing my story on various platforms - BCF and others. Newly-diagnosed women and breast cancer patients have reached out to me after reading/hearing my account and I've been able to journey with them, plus direct them to the support group for further help. I really feel honored that my struggle can comfort and uplift other women.

Lastly, I believe in spite of everything, I’m much happier than I used to be! I love the person I’ve become, physically, emotionally and physically. I find her beautiful, stronger and more compassionate. I have deepened my relationships with the people important in my life, and my family has grown to encompass my fellow cancer survivor sisters. If I had a chance to rewrite my history, I would NOT change a SINGLE thing. 

Physically, the toughest challenge was undoubtedly chemotherapy and its side effects - unbelievable fatigue in the body and mind, nausea, thirst, tastebud changes (it's horrible when even water tastes like metal in your mouth!), aches, bad diarrhoea, insomnia, bloating and of course, the much talked about hair loss on the head, eyebrows, and even eyelashes. I swung through a few feelings: disbelief that it actually happened to me (because isn’t cancer always something that happens to someone else, and never yourself?), frustration and existentialism from life coming to a grinding halt, grief over how my body had changed (and some days I didn't even feel human - just like an eating, sleeping, pooping, hairless creature), and fear about the future - especially the possibility of treatment not working, metastasis or relapse.

I also had to overcome hurtful but well-intentioned remarks, and prejudices that even affected my work. I remember someone who suggested that I had cancer because I hadn't forgiven people who had wronged me. Someone else said that I hadn't been chosen for a gig opportunity, because "the bosses were worried you would be a liability". 

What many people don't realize is that the challenges don't end once you're given a clean bill of health. For example, I kept falling sick and getting tired easily in the one year after finishing chemo. I'm in an induced post-menopausal state (ie no periods) for the next few years while continuing my daily hormone therapy pill. I still feel stiffness in my arm and back on my reconstructed side. My reconstructed breast, while extremely nice looking, has almost zero sensation. Some days I still grieve over how my body has changed, and how I no longer feel that I'm young and invincible. I sometimes worry about finances - insurance, medical costs, whether I have enough saved to tide me over a relapse if it happens. And every time I go for a scan or body check, I still freak out just a little if I see an ultrasound technician pause too long and stare at the screen. It's got a name - "scanxiety".  Of course, I still wonder whether I may have a relapse in future. For the most part, I don't think or dwell on these things...but sometimes they just get triggered, or surface randomly.

Even during chemo, there were thankfully many good days I could enjoy. Days where the side effects were barely noticeable (I remember one day where I felt so NORMAL, that I was overcome with emotion and cried in public!), and other days where I felt nothing but calm hope, trusting that God had a plan and purpose for this ordeal. I found moments of joy and things to be excited about. A big one was being able to continue singing and hosting for some weddings and events, even while I was doing chemo. I was bald, pale, tired and gassy (haha), but once I donned my wig, some makeup and an evening dress, I looked and felt like my old self again. And absolutely nobody figured out there was anything out of the ordinary with me -it was fun to have a little secret!  I also chose to think about the future - even just the year ahead. I pictured all the things I would do after treatment - big things like travelling or doing new projects, and little things like enjoying sushi or a medium rare steak (I wasn't supposed to eat raw food during chemo!). And most importantly, I didn't walk alone. I shared my journey with loving family and friends who always reached out at the right time to encourage me, pray for me and cheer me up by taking me to coffee!  

In terms of formal support groups, I didn’t have a formal organised support group at the time because I was content with my network of friends and family, plus a few survivors whom I spoke with on an ad hoc basis. I also was an internet research junkie and spent a lot of time on survivor forums to pick up tips on how to manage side effects of treatment. For style advice I also set up Pinterest boards of ladies wearing nice head wraps or rocking bald heads, and used those as my daily dress up inspirations. I also ended up doing a lot of online shopping for makeup and comfy but pretty clothes that flattered my bloated bod...retail therapy is REAL!

I wish I hadn't procrastinated in getting my lump checked!

Definitely look forward to reaching my 5-year remission milestone! I have my map of the future - but I also know how life can be unpredictable and how God may have other plans for our lives. So I also believe very much in living a day at a time and discovering that plan :)

Ladies, I never thought it would happen to me as a gal just into her 30s, but it did. It happens to women in their 20s too. So don't be in denial if you feel like something isn't right. It doesn't have to even be a painful lump for it to be a problem - my lump was painless and I had no other symptoms whatsoever. Just please get it checked by your GP. Even if it's nothing, at least you'll have peace of mind. And if it is something..know that early detection really leads to fantastic survival outcomes. You may even not need to do anything as serious as a mastectomy or chemotherapy if you deal with it early enough. 

And even if you do...you'll come out of it alright. So many of us have, and today we are thriving and growing and better. Cancer isn't a death warrant. Seek treatment, and then get back to living life. Come talk to us and we'll show you :) 

Oh and also, make sure you have your hospitalisation and critical illness insurance coverage! You'll be so thankful to have it, in the event cancer or anything else happens to you (not here to sell you any insurance, but I can really attest to this being a lifesaver).

Be kind to yourself. Know that recovery doesn't happen overnight. It can take months, even years, to restore the body, mind and spirit. Pace your work and activities to manage your energy and stress!

Also, don't expect to go back to your old normal - but find the joy in a new normal. 

Lastly, when you're ready, share your story. Whether it be with just one person, or with many. There's a woman out there who needs to hear what you have to say.

As seen on Vivienne: Liz Halter Neck Jersey Top, Adelle Wide Leg Pants

Diagnosed at a tender age of 22, Navi, now 30, has triumphed over cancer twice and is on lifelong targeted therapy, along with hormone therapy, once every 3 weeks. Despite it all, she maintains a positive outlook in life and continues to make time for dance - her happy space. 

As seen on Navi: Elosa Contrast Midaxi Dress (Baby Pink)

My name is Navi and I am from Malaysia. I worked for an NGO called National Cancer Society Malaysia and also own my own food catering business called Sham's Kitchen (@shamskicthenofficial), we sell the best premium frozen fish cutlets, you have to try! I am a Project Manager by profession (Masters in Project Management Engineering MSc, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering MEng.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 22, in the year 2013. I felt a lump on the left side of my breast and then I immediately got it checked and several tests later found out it was cancer. 

It changed me tremendously because I now had the illness to battle and I needed to be strong for my whole family as the news crushed them all. Especially when we are told or rather we only know that Cancer is like a death sentence at that time through movies and etc, we really didn't know what to expect, however now I can gladly say Cancer is not a death sentence, it changes your life to appreciate it more and it saddens me to see people who are healthier stress over life and the little things in it. 

LOSING MY HAIR! I think by far it was one of my toughest challenges, and dealing with post-chemo hair, because I always had gorgeous hair when I was younger and pre-chemo times, it was tough for me to handle and go through with it but I guess bald is beautiful and it is people who plant such stereotypes in your head. 

My main support was my family, my mum, dad, sister etc and also social media, I guess pouring out my frustrations through my content helped me and I believe helped others as well to see cancer differently. There are ups and downs to it however the journey is beautiful. 

Looking back, I would've done many things differently but I don't regret anything I have done thus far.

I want to do more and inspire more people out there, I want to host more motivational talks to help the ones in need.

You are all at risk of cancer the moment you are born, so don't take life for granted, enjoy being happy and do the things you love. Always remember to be empathetic to people and understand people differently. We are all facing a battle that no one knows. Always love yourself and put yourself first, it’s okay to be selfish sometimes and always know your worth. Don't let others take away your shine and always remember that you have ME, Naviindranpillai to talk to and who is always happy to give advice and just listen.

Always remember you are not dying of cancer, you are LIVING with cancer! What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Walk out tall and proud, don't be shy to show the world your battle scars, be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished.

The roles switched for Dr Gia when she got diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Used to being the one with the answers, being a patient and survivor allowed her to know what it’s like on the other side of the equation - to be the one in need of comfort.

As seen on Dr. Gia: Mayven Classic Button Down Shirt (Khaki)

Hi I’m Gia Sison and I’m a practising medical doctor. I currently head the Makati Medical Wellness Centre and I’m also a podcaster. I host and I’m a mental health advocate, a mother of two daughters and a 8-year breast cancer survivor.

It was a really different journey. I first discovered the lump in my left breast when I was on a call with my dad on February 23, 2013. I rested my hand on my left breast and it felt like I was putting my hand on a table, so it was already that hard.

When I started to palpate it after I ended the call with my dad, I already knew as a doctor that it was cancer because the lump was so huge. It had no shape, it was not moving. So I called my colleague and scheduled immediately for a biopsy. It was like I kind of swirled into a blackhole all at once and it went so fast.

The biopsy confirmed it was cancer so I immediately decided to have a mastectomy done. It was something that I didn’t spend much time thinking about as all I wanted at that time was to have my left breast cut off and have the cancer out of my body.

You would be familiar with feelings of depression, denial, and anger. But I didn’t undergo that. I immediately went into a stage of acceptance, but the weird thing about that now, is that I’m starting to question. It took a reverse in terms of phases of grief. So I underwent a mastectomy and after 30 days, I underwent 6 cycles of chemotherapy. That period of my life was challenging and difficult, aside from the side effects. The mental health journey was difficult. Imagine an active person who had to stay home because my immune system was compromised. I told myself that when I get well, I will really work on the support system that people need when they’re sad.

The mental challenge was harder than the physical one. It’s really like my mind wanted to do it but my body was too weak. But I had my good days, when my husband brought me out with my children to Manila to get a breath of fresh air. Those are the moments I will never forget because you start to realise they’re moments you may seem to take for granted, but they really matter.

My family. My husband is also a doctor, so when I told my kids, they were only 8 and 12 years old. I had to explain to them and I’m not the type of person to keep something from them so they were also involved in my healing.

Next were my friends who had cancer or were also battling cancer at that time because it’s different when you have a support group that talks about what you actually have and then my friends who were also doctors were very encouraging. The whole cancer team in the hospital of Makati Centre played a huge part in my healing.

The biggest regret of my life was failing to do a self-exam. I could have detected that lump earlier and the stages would have been later, or even caught it before it reached the cancerous stage. 

I look forward to a happier life and see my kids get married, have children, and spend the rest of my life with my husband.

Catch it early. Early prevention is still key. However, if and when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, remember that it is just a word, it is not an automatic death sentence. There is hope beyond the diagnosis and I hope this message resounds to patients who are battling and surviving. My hat’s off to those who survived, and even those who battled but passed. Take care of yourself physically and mentally, and appreciate the small things in life.

Never feel alone. Just reach out like I did. In fact, Twitter is the first one who knew I had cancer. It was 2:00 AM and I tweeted that “I am diagnosed with cancer, what should I do?”. I was surprised with the responses I got. People who I didn’t even know tweeted and responded to me. So feel free to talk about it as it will help a lot in your journey towards healing.

After 3 months of saying ‘Yes, I do’ to happily ever ever, Mina found out she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer and everything changed. However instead of resigning to a new fate, she chose to lead life with courage. 

Today she continues to be a strong voice for Breast Cancer awareness; as the founder of one of the largest breast cancer community support groups in Taiwan, 花漾女孩 GOGOGO, allowing a safe space for recovering patients to seek comfort, companionship and advice throughout their Breast Cancer journeys.

As seen on Mina: Marica Belted Blazer (Blush)

Hi I’m Mina. I’m a mom, radio host, founder of 花漾女孩 GOGOGO, a Breast Cancer community support group on Facebook and a Breast Cancer survivor myself.

At the age of 32, I felt a sliding lump when taking a shower, which had not happened before. Out of caution, I went for a body check. The oncologist diagnosed it as a high chance to be a fibroadenoma. To play it safe, a biopsy was taken. The report turned out to be Stage 1 Breast Cancer.

A healthy person becomes a cancer patient. For this reason, I got a chance to think of what I really want in life and started to try out all kinds of things.

Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, I used my own experience to help women who’re on a similar journey by forming an association on Facebook. We have served over 3,000 breast cancer patients so far. Meanwhile, I've been hosting a podcast and many events, wishing to spread the importance of breast cancer awareness through different touchpoints.

In my early thirties, when I should devote myself to my career but messed it up with breast cancer, I have to stop working to receive treatments. Emotionally, I was totally wrecked. Worrying about the change of my appearance, imagining the treatments and fear of cancer caused me a lot of stress.

Support from family and friends. I have a pair of sunglasses from Gentle Monster to go with my super short hair during the treatment.

Looking back, everything was meant to be. It was a really good choice that I have brought myself to finish all the treatment and surgeries. 

To watch my kid grow up.

Over the years, breast cancer has been increasingly common in the younger generation. I hope that every woman will take her breasts more seriously. It would be a great help to go for regular examinations.

People who suffer from illness often feel loneliness that no one else could understand. The truth is, there are women fighting for breast cancer in different countries and cities. I would like to say “You’re not alone.”

Even while undergoing radiotherapy, Kenny wears a smile and holds an optimistic outlook, all while actively documenting her recovery journey in hopes to be a voice of encouragement and support for the women going through the same. 

As seen on Kenny: Luciya Puff Sleeve Midi Dress (Lilac)

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!

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!).

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.

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 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.

Nope, as I believe what I'm doing now is the right way.

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.

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!

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.. 

Breast cancer knocked on her door twice, but Lindsey answered it with courage, strength and determination. First diagnosed when she’s newly married, the cancer later returned during a routine annual exam.

As seen on Lindsey: Kleora Off Shoulder Cropped Top (Butternut), Camryn pants (Fuchsia)

Hi! I’m Lindsey, an American-Filipina living abroad in Canada. I’m a storyteller, health advocate, proud wife, cat mom and kitchen dancing queen. I enjoy coffee dates, morning bike rides and collecting stickers. I’m most passionate about empowering women to explore their most personal stories through creative writing. I turn 37 this month. As a 2-time breast cancer slayer, it’s a proud milestone moment for me. I’ve done a lot of heart-work to get here.

My college roomie, Leslie, taught me the importance of early detection because she had breast cancer at 24. I was 30 when I found my suspicious lump even though I had no immediate family history. It happened while packing for a trip. I saw my body in the mirror and it made me think of doing a routine breast exam. I felt a firm pea-sized mass in my right breast and thought it was unusual. 

My doctor immediately ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound. Later I learned that it’s common for premenopausal women to have dense breast tissue, which is what I have. It’s a problem because dense tissue looks similar to cancer tissue in a mammo. The use of an ultrasound helps medical professionals tell the difference. 

I’m so grateful that my doctor listened to me from the start. I’ve heard stories from breast cancer patients who reported their symptoms and their doctor was dismissive. For some, it took several visits because the patient was considered too young for a mammogram.

My treatment involved a nipple-sparing mastectomy of the right breast with immediate reconstruction. My cancer was estrogen positive, meaning it was fueled by hormones, and I was given a daily pill called Tamoxifen. This medication blocks estrogen, and causes side effects similar to menopause. I also went through two rounds of fertility preservation.

At 32, I was diagnosed a second time with breast cancer in the same breast, even though my margins tested clear the first time. My plastic surgeon was the one who caught the suspicious lump during a follow-up appointment. I had felt it, too, but I thought it was scar tissue from my first surgery.

Again, it was estrogen positive, but because it grew while I was on Tamoxifen, my doctors treated it as a new case of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and 33 doses of radiation. I’ve had no evidence of disease for nearly four years. I’m in preventative maintenance mode now. It involves yearly mammograms and ultrasounds, regular appointments with an oncologist, and taking Tamoxifen for another five years.

I had to let go of the pre-cancer version of myself and create space for the ways my health experiences changed me. It was a hard lesson to learn because I spent the early part of my recovery trying to get back physically and emotionally to the old Lindsey. 

When I was diagnosed a second time that’s when I knew there was no going back. I had to change. I opened up about my story and used Instagram as an outlet to process the reality of my emotions and experiences.

Ultimately, I learned the value in prioritizing my well-being. As a former people-pleaser with a vocal inner critic, it is something that I still work at every day. I used to be focused on self-improvement, not knowing that self-acceptance is also an important aspect of building confidence. Instead of being critical about everything going wrong, it helps to reframe the situation by celebrating wins: big ones, small ones, and everything in between. It keeps us light-hearted and it’s easier to go with the flow.

Adjusting to the hormonal changes from my medication. I didn’t realize how important estrogen is for regulating sleep, metabolism, body temperature and moods. I’ve had to build self-awareness to manage these quality of life issues. Yes, the surgeries and treatments were hard, but getting back into the flow of life was harder. The mental and emotional side effects required the help of a therapist, community support groups and coaches. 

There’s also the aspect of body acceptance and learning how to feel at home in it. Sometimes I wake up feeling like a 70-year-old trapped in a 36-year-old body. My joints and bones get stiff from neuropathy caused by chemo. My brain gets foggy. I have mood swings. My weight fluctuates. 

I’ve gone out of my comfort zone to try new activities that give me confidence in my physical abilities. I went rock-climbing in Joshua Tree and white-water kayaking in Montana. For the last ten months I’ve taken up strength training and weight-lifting at a gym. It took me a while to find joy in it, but now I look forward to my workouts.

When I started using my Instagram as a micro-blog for my health experience, I connected with young women around the world who were going through the same thing. Oh, the beauty of hashtags! I saw a woman with a beautiful shoe collection wear a different pair to each dose of radiation. It inspired me to use my lippy collection and I wore a different shade of lipstick to each of my 33 radiation doses. When I lost my hair, I got into hats, scarves, bandanas and headbands. Even today, keeping up with my doctor’s appointments, I make it a point to plan a cute outfit because it boosts my mojo.

I’ve been involved with several community groups including: Young Survival Coalition, The Breasties, First Descents, Barbells for Boobs, The Foundation For Living Beauty, Yoga 4 Cancer, Luna Peak Foundation, Haus of Volta, Rethink Breast Cancer, Flat Closure Now, Ottawa Monthly Gatherings and more. Each group brings something unique to the table, and I’m eternally grateful for the role all have played in rebuilding my life.

It would’ve been helpful to talk with breast cancer survivors who opted out of reconstruction and chose flat closure. I learned about this option after-the-fact. Currently, I’m having problems with my implant and I plan to have it explanted soon. 

I’m already small-chested. In fact, my surgeon used the smallest implant for my procedure. I don’t think it was worth it to go through all that surgery only to have it break a few years later. 

So much! Seeing where my creative practices and writing takes me, family planning after my explant surgery, exploring more of Canada. It’s wonderful to have reached a point of stability in my health.

​​Listen to your intuition. Advocate for yourself because you deserve to feel at home in your body.

When you prioritize your well-being, both physically and emotionally, you can show up as the strongest version of yourself for loved ones. This includes monthly breast exams with remembering “feel it on the first.” Self-care is healthcare.

You are not alone. There are women who “get it.” Find a support community that empowers you. This applies to any hardship, too. When women support women, magic follows. 

As seen on Lindsey: Kleora Off Shoulder Cropped Top (Butternut), Camryn pants (Fuchsia)

As a former model, Karen shares her journey battling with Breast Cancer and regaining self-confidence.

As seen on Karen: Camryn Button Front Blazer (Fuchsia), Allegra Square Neck Fitted Top (Nude), Chessie Tailored Sash Shorts (Hot Pink)

Hello, I am Karen Lam, a model before I got married.  

There was a benign tumor in my body a long time ago, however I took it lightly and left it untreated. In addition, my life and work schedule were irregular at that time, which allowed the tumor to manifest over time and was later diagnosed as Breast Cancer. It has been 10 years since the discovery of breast cancer to the onset of the disease and recovery, and now my life has returned to normal.

After I was diagnosed, my family and friends took a lot of time to accompany me through the early nights and exercise routines. As my lifestyle changed, theirs did too.

The biggest challenge I faced was my own psychological concerns. Coming from a model background, I love beauty and am very particular about my image. At the beginning, I had concerns about removing the tumor. But with the support of my husband and friends, I managed to overcome these barriers and maintained a positive attitude to face the cancer.

Family & friends were my cheerleaders; my greatest encouragement and source of motivation. Many of my friends referred me to their doctor contacts, and my husband deprioritized his work and stayed by my side throughout the entire journey. During this period, I was surrounded by a lot of love and positive energy. Therefore, I always tell myself that I am never alone and I’ll be strong to fight for them.

I also experimented with many false eyelashes and wigs, mixed and matched many styles, and found myself liking bright, loose-fitting maxi skirts. Dressing up has definitely helped to regain and boost my self-confidence.  

I would definitely choose to have a more balanced lifestyle - get ample rest, exercise regularly, and have fun in moderation. And also care for my emotional needs.

As seen on Karen: Camryn Button Front Blazer (Fuchsia), Allegra Square Neck Fitted Top (Nude), Chessie Tailored Sash Shorts (Hot Pink)

As seen on Karen: Camryn Button Front Blazer (Fuchsia), Allegra Square Neck Fitted Top (Nude), Chessie Tailored Sash Shorts (Hot Pink)

Travelling again around the world, with my husband! I’m content with my married life. I would also love to continue to dance till I’m old; modern ballet is my hobby.

To pay more attention to food nutrition labels and choose to eat healthily. 

A doctor told me that breast cancer is the easiest cancer disease with a higher chance of recovery. Remember to go for yearly check ups, and if diagnosed, face the cancer with positivity as I believe that “attitude determines destiny”. We will power through this together.