Hi, I’m Kelly. This is my story as a breast cancer survivor.

My journey started when I had gone for a routine mammogram. The technologist had noticed something was wrong, and subsequently recommended that I do follow up tests. Eventually I was given the news that I had stage 0 breast cancer, with a 95% 5-year survival rate.

Treatment-wise, my doctors recommended a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, but I only opted for the former two after researching the matter on my own.

My journey with breast cancer started with a routine mammogram offered as part of my company’s medical benefits. The technologist noticed something concerning and advised me to follow up. This ultimately led to my diagnosis of stage 0 breast cancer, after I sought a second opinion to see a more experienced doctor. However, I learned from doctors that I had a 95% 5-year survival rate; this was reassuring.

Armed with the information from my doctor's diagnosis, I made several changes to my lifestyle. I exercised more regularly, committed to eating a healthier diet, and incorporated collagen and vitamin supplements into my routine to support my overall health and well-being.

Following my diagnosis, I was recommended to undergo breast-conserving surgery/lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

I eventually opted for the surgery and chemotherapy only, after considering my doctor’s recommendations and doing my own research. Admittedly, finalizing my treatment plan made me very anxious and scared.

Besides conventional medical treatment, I opted for alternative treatment methods such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and nutritional supplements.

Like many others with cancer, I experienced some side effects related to treatment. The most significant ones for me were hair loss and loss of appetite. Additionally, I suffered from pain at the site of the surgical wound. Thankfully, I managed to cope with these side effects through improving my nutrition and taking medication, both prescribed and some I had at home.

Cancer treatment also came with other challenges. Despite having health insurance, some of the chemotherapy medications prescribed were not covered under the insurance plan, adding strain to an already challenging situation.

I've committed to permanent changes in my lifestyle since the beginning of treatment. In particular, I was focused on engaging in physical activity more frequently and opting for a healthier diet every single day of the week.

What’s also changed since my cancer diagnosis is my relationship with my parents. Ever since we learned that I had cancer, we’ve grown significantly closer and communicate with each other a lot more often now.

For my family and myself, the cancer journey has underscored the importance of cherishing time together and creating cherished memories. Our plans for the near future include a holiday to Taiwan with my husband and parents-in-law. Personally, I look forward to visiting my best friend in Melbourne for her bachelorette party.

My aspirations are simple: I just want to be more healthy and lower my risk of cancer recurrence. Living a healthy, long and fulfilling life with the people I hold dear is so important to me.

Throughout my journey to recovery, my biggest fear was the possibility of the cancer returning or spreading, despite having recovered for several years. To cope with this fear, I turned to prayer, seeking solace and guidance from God, and confided in my supportive circle of friends and family.

Today, with a few years having passed since I first found out I had cancer, I find myself feeling optimistic. This sense of optimism filled me with hope, inspiration, and gratitude.

For those currently navigating their own cancer journey, take the time to fully understand your condition by asking your doctor all the questions you have. Knowledge is power, and the more informed you are about your cancer, the better equipped you'll be to combat it.