Singapore mum Mavis Leong was first recognized with breast most cancers in 2012 and became in remission for six years until she turned into re-diagnosed with the contamination in 2018.
As an unmarried mum of two, the strain she confronted was inconceivable, especially while she had to stop operating to attention on restoration.
We ask Mavis, who presently works as Financial Services Consultant with AIA Singapore, approximately her conflict with most cancers and the demanding situations she faced alongside the manner.
“I was first identified with breast cancer in August 2012, and handiest observed out that something turned into incorrect after an ordinary scientific test-up.
“My mother changed into previously recognized with cervical most cancers. However no person in my own family had breast most cancers even though there may be a history of breast lumps.
“Fortunately for me, the most cancers was identified at degree 1.5. My circle of relatives took the news nicely and my youngsters always advocated me to be robust, and they might always take a look at in on how I was feeling.”
WHERE DID YOU UNDERGO TREATMENT AND WHAT DID IT INVOLVE?
“I did a surgical operation to dispose of the tumor at Gleneagles Hospital.
“After the surgical procedure, I had to undergo 20 days of radiotherapy. There were no serious side outcomes, except for a few bleeding once I ran for a protracted distance, which was due to the hormone remedy pill (tamoxifen) I become taking, that thickens the cervix wall.
“I nonetheless go for observe up test-u.S.With my breast specialist and oncologist as soon as every six to 9 months.”
WHO DID YOU TURN TO FOR SUPPORT, APART FROM FAMILY?
“I grew to become to the Singapore Cancer Society for assist in 2012 and feature persisted in being a volunteer there given that. I made many friends who ought to relate with my enjoy and that they gave me a valuable recommendation. One vital aspect I learned become that cancer is not a ‘dying sentence’, but simply any other setback in life to assist us to come to be more potent.
“Especially with my divorce in 2011, it surely confirmed me how powerful it is to stay advantageous and awareness on what you’ve got, no longer what you’ve got lost.”
HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THE ILLNESS AS A SINGLE MUM OF 2, IN TERMS OF FINANCES AND EMOTIONAL TURMOIL?
“My youngsters, Nicholas and Alicia, were my pillars of strength and the predominant source of motivation. I only cried as soon as, after my first radiotherapy consultation, then I focused on recuperating with the aid of going for remedies and ensuring that I turned into well-rested and eating healthily.
“Having long past thru cancer twice myself, I can not emphasize how critical having good enough coverage is to financially guard your self against surprising and unlucky occasions.
“In 2012, by myself, I claimed about $538,000 from eight guidelines with vital infection (CI) gain, and it truly helped after I had to forestall operating for some time.”
