8 Survivors. 8 Stories. 8 Portraits.
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Breast Cancer Survivor.
Sharole. 37.
I was shocked. I didn’t want to accept it.
I had breast cancer.
While I was in treatment, my father’s Stage IV nose cancer came back. So, we were both fighting at the same time. I saw his life ending, and I thought mine was ending too. He sadly passed while I was still in treatment.
I was grieving, but I still had my own fight to finish.
I thought cancer had taken my freedom, but I kept thinking about other young women who get this diagnosis and feel lost and alone.
I thought, “If I made it, I have to help my sisters going through this.”
There is hope. You do have choices.
If you’ve just been diagnosed, please don’t be afraid. Take it step by step. You can do it. You will make it.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Lilian. 64.
It was very shocking. There’s no history in my family. So I didn’t know what to do. I was lost. Like, “What should I do now?”
These days, I spend my weekends visiting patients with a patient support team. Hospital to hospital, visiting women with breast cancer.
I see what they need. I listen to their issues. I answer what they want to know.
I’ve been doing this for 10 years.
Even now, I still go to conferences and talks by doctors, so I stay informed. That’s how I’m able to help even more people.
Malaysia, 1 in every 23 women will get breast cancer.
So the more you know, the more prepared you are.
There are so many NGOs that can help you.
And there are so many cancer survivors willing to help you go through this journey.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Harthini. 41.
I was shocked. I was devastated.
But the next thing that came into my mind was my three children.
I had to save myself, so I could be here for them.
You know, live life with courage.
Cancer took away my womanhood, but that didn't stop me from living my life and chasing my dreams.
Five years later, I’m a survivor.
I’m achieving my dreams, and I get to watch my children grow up happy, right in front of me. That’s the courage I have in me.
I remind myself that tomorrow is not promised.
If you’ve just been diagnosed, find other breast cancer survivors. Ask for advice. Lean on their support.
Be there for yourself. Fight it. Be strong.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Usha. 54.
I had a sister, she passed away from a cervical cancer in 2003.
I was with her till the end. So in a way, I already knew what cancer was.
When the doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer, I thought, “Yeah, okay. So it’s me now.”
Cancer took away my strength. It gave me a lot more pain. It brings you down. You get depressed. But I never show it.
My friends even say, “you don't look like someone who's suffering from cancer.”
I just try to enjoy life.
Seeing everyone else living, getting on with their lives, that encourages me. I want to be there too.
You have to accept it. You’ve been diagnosed, it’s real, and you live with it.
Carry on with your life. Focus on being happy, so you can wake up tomorrow and try again.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Zalifah. 52.
I had two schoolmates pass away from breast cancer in their 30s.
So I knew anybody could get it. That’s why I did a checkup screening every year.
Then one day, suddenly, I felt a lump. It was confirmed as cancer.
I was shocked. But I was also very relieved, because it was very early stage, and the treatment would be easier.
Obviously, it took away a lot of my time because I needed to go to all the treatments.
But cancer also gave me the strength.
I also joined a support group to know what other women went through. Our stories are pretty much the same.
I want people to know that there are so many women with breast cancer, and there are so many support groups who will really support you.
You are not alone.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Shuhana. 48.
I was frustrated. I was surprised.
One month before, I did a medical check-up. I did a tumour marker too. Everything was fine.
So, I didn't believe it.
But I already expected the symptom was cancer. Because I have two aunties who were diagnosed with breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
And in a way, it gave me courage. It gave me a second chance.
To all the women out there, please don't be afraid to seek medical advice. There are many support systems that will help you.
Beranikan diri. Be brave enough to go for it.
Love yourself first. Take care of yourself first.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Yip Siew Fune. 63.
I’m quite tough, and I’m blessed with that.
I accept things very fast. When I knew this is the illness I have, I accepted it.
I think cancer brought out the best in me.
I told myself I should not listen to others. I should live the life I want.
So I started my Latin dance classes again.
And I made a vow: when I’m healthy, I will teach people to dance.
Because if dancing helped me, it will help others.
The University of Malaya invited me to teach the dance classes for their research on dance therapy. I did it for about a year.
It made people come together to exercise, laugh, be happy. Everybody loved it.
Social connection is important.
So, I want everybody to know, whatever type of cancer you have, try to continue to exercise and keep fit.
It really does help.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Mei Thing. 41.
I often find it very strange when people say, “Mei Ting, you are so strong,” when they hear that I’m a breast cancer survivor.
But honestly, I feel that I’ve always been strong.
It’s just that I never had the chance to show it.
So maybe this was the challenge that helped me put that out into the world.
I went through all my treatment during MCO. It left me without any peer support.
I still remember when I first met the Candy Girls, a group of breast cancer survivors, and learned their stories.
I was like, “Wow, so this is how a survivor can look.”
This is how a survivor can live. That really inspired me.
My message is for mothers, especially young mothers.
Our children really do need us. And whatever happens to us will affect them too.
It is our responsibility to let them inherit grace, inner strength and resilience.
We need to stop fear from going to the next generation.
