Health screening may be scary for anyone no matter how old you are. Some people may even go out of their way to avoid it even after receiving health scares in fear of the potential undesired news they may receive. Ignorance is bliss, right? My name is Noren, a 63-year-old Singaporean and a breast cancer survivor. I'm here to share the story about how my last mammogram saved me and why you should not miss attending your regular mammogram screening!
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How it started
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
I would say that I’m a very practical person when it comes to my life and the decisions I make. This trait of mine was what encouraged me to go for my very first check up and mammogram. when I first felt a tingly sensation in my right breast. The results showed that there was nothing wrong with my right breast. Subsequently, this said trait also made me go for screening diligently though I had no family history of cancer prior to this. This was until 2017, when I didn’t go for my routine mammogram, and that changed everything.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in November 2017 when I was 57 years old. I had been routinely getting a mammogram every two years since 2006 but had skipped the last one before my diagnosis. Looking back, I feel there was no excuse for me to skip the screening. I was busy with work and life and had allowed my health to become a second priority.
I thought to myself that something didn’t feel right; I massaged my breast, but couldn’t feel anything different or out of the ordinary. It then occurred to me that I had missed my previous screening, and made a mammogram appointmentin September, but alas, I forgot to go for it. Finally, I went for my mammogram in October 2017.
P.S. Find out your eligibility for subsidised screening here!
The diagnosis
Then, came the day when I went to the hospital for my follow-up appointment. After my tests, I was told that I’ll need to meet a breast surgeon, which was unusual. He broke the news that they had found something amiss on my left breast from the tests, but I wasn’t afraid as I had experienced this before with my right breast years ago.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
The breast surgeon told me it was serious and although I had experienced a similar scare before, the look he gave me made my heart drop. After that, I needed to go through further tests known as biopsy (procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells for lab testing).
Things weren't looking good for me. I came for the appointment in the morning, met the breast surgeon before lunch, and did the biopsy after lunch. Years ago, my husband passed away from lung cancer and it had been a very expensive treatment throughout. I was well aware that the treatments could add up and it would be a financial burden to my daughters. Fortunately, I was under an insurance plan that covered hospitalisation. You need to prepare yourself for unforeseen circumstances. I consider myself to be quite fortunate to have planned ahead.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
While waiting for the results, I was told that if the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, I may very well be in stage three. The days following that, I prayed and made dua for my health. I told my sisters about it and received a lot of support from my loved ones. Unfortunately, I was unable to tell my mother because she had dementia. Even so, she saw how the treatments affected me and it was a tough time for all of us.
The biopsy confirmed everything the breast surgeon mentioned. The cancer was serious, and they proceeded to inform me of all the treatments that I had to go for. I was quite shocked at how many procedures I would need to do! In Singlish we’d say Bao Ga Liao (to do everything). However, with the constant support of my family and doctors, I was able to get through the difficult treatments.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
When I was diagnosed with stage three cancer in early November, my family and I already made plans for a trip to KL (3D2N) in the middle of the month to celebrate my older sister’s amazing 70th birthday. It was a trip with the children, my mom and whoever else could come. I didn’t want to miss it because I was the one who organised and planned the whole trip!
After my diagnosis, I told the doctors about the plans. They understood and sent me for some tests before and after the family trip. When I returned from KL, I was scheduled for surgery in December of that year.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
Everything happened so quickly from my diagnosis to the surgery. But looking back, I have no regrets going on that trip because I got to spend time with my family, especially my mother who became bedridden shortly afterwards. I really treasured that time that we spent together and if there’s anything I took away from that trip is that life has to continue even after receiving such a life changing diagnosis about my health. We need to continue living because life doesn’t just stop when we get down!
P.S. Want to get a health screening but not sure where to start? Click here to take your first step!
The treatment period
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
I must say that throughout the journey, I made decisions for myself including the type of surgery I would be undergoing - I say this because many may have the perception that the freedom of choice is taken away once they have a serious diagnosis. I was given the choice between a Mastectomy (the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely) or Lumpectomy (a surgical removal of a discrete portion or "lump" of breast tissue). After much thought and discussion with my daughters, I decided on a Mastectomy to remove both breasts. I thought to myself that I can live without them and I wanted to remove any chances of the cancer from coming back.
I received Chemotherapy after my surgery to get rid of any leftover cancer cells. The recovery and treatment period was the toughest time for me. I experienced many side effects including constant nausea and fatigue. There were nights where I was so restless because of insomnia caused by the treatments. I’m thankful for the support and prayers from my daughters and family! The doctors are amazing too for taking care of me and the side effects I struggled with.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
Much time has passed since then and now I’m recovering well. While I regretted delaying my regular screening in the beginning, I am also grateful that I didn’t continue to delay it longer and my condition could be detected before it is untreatable. I believe that has enabled me to have better control of my condition and it has contributed to the successful treatment plan by my doctor.
Now, I am a volunteer at the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF). I share stories and help facilitate and organise talks to help people who have received a diagnosis. I want to help others and share my story whenever needed to give support to those who feel down by their situation. I always share my personal experience and what they can learn from it, especially on the importance of going for regular mammograms and keeping to your appointments.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
At times, my body feels different since my surgery and treatment – but hey, I still have my life! Syukur Alhamdullilah (gratitude and thanks to God) I’m still here after everything I went through. The most important thing is to live your best life and make memories.
Credit: Courtesy of Madam Noren
I still have my life even after everything that happened. At the end of the day, life moves on and you have to celebrate life at every opportunity! Don’t be afraid to get your regular health screening and be empowered and take charge of your own health because it involves people you love most.
You won’t know if you don’t find out. Early detection, saves breasts, saves lives. We only have one life to live, so let’s take care of ourselves and make our health a priority!
P.S. Not sure what to screen for and where to go? Check out the screening tests that are recommended for you based on your age and gender here!
This article was brought to you by the Health Promotion Board. Thank you to Madam Noren!