Emi’s Story
Read true stories of women who have been impacted by breast cancer. These stories allow these brave women to share their cancer journey and talk openly about their feelings and experiences before, during and after treatment. While names have been changed to protect their identities, their experiences are as real as ever.
“Trust Your Gut and Take Action. You’ll Be Glad You Did.”
My name is Emi, and I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in November 2021. In May 2022, I finished chemotherapy treatment, and the next step for me was to undergo a lumpectomy, where doctors removed a section of my breast where the tumour was located. After healing from the surgery, I underwent several rounds of radiation.
If this sounds like a lot, it is, but I am okay with it. I have three children, ages 10, 12 and 17. When I first found out that I had breast cancer, I decided to speak openly with my family about it. My kids were old enough to understand and ask questions, and I didn’t want to hide this from them.
That was the right move for me because when I underwent chemotherapy, I began to lose my hair. There was no hiding the fact. I talked about it with my kids a few times, so when it began to fall out, they were not surprised. My husband helped me to shave my head.
Chemotherapy was tough because there were so many side effects. Thankfully, I didn’t feel as nauseous as I thought I would be. However, I was exhausted, lost my appetite, and did not have the mood to do the things I usually did.
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer right now or just facing a cancer diagnosis, I have chosen to share my story because I want to share hope with you. The cancer journey is a tough one but I want you to know that you can overcome this.
I wanted to have access to important medical information and know what to expect. So, I hope that sharing my story helps you on your cancer journey.
I have had wonderful support around me, from my husband and kids to my other family members and friends. Everyone has been cheering me on, offering help, making meals, and sending me messages often. Every little bit helps. If you are like me, you most likely do not want to bother others. But everyone who cares about you can feel helpless and most want to help. So, please take the help offered.
My biggest piece of advice is to take things one day at a time and deal with your cancer head-on. Get as much information as possible, ask your doctor whatever questions you have, and do not be afraid. Don’t just let things be — take charge because this is your body, and you have a right to make decisions about your care and treatment.
Cancer is so common these days, but even so, everyone deals with cancer in their unique way. The thing I noticed is that once it happened, everything seemed to move so fast. It just took me by surprise, and then suddenly, I had all these decisions to make.
So take it slow, set your pace and do your best to understand what is happening. This is where your doctors can help you make sense of things.
You will be surrounded by a medical team, each person managing different aspects of your care as you move through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments. Remember that everyone’s cancer journey is different, and so the treatment options will be unique to each person.
Your medical team will help you make sense of your diagnosis and treatment options. Make sure you ask questions, get more information as needed, and finally, make decisions on the type of treatment that will suit you best.
Throughout my chemotherapy, which took just over six months, I was very lucky to have such a kind team of nurses around me. Every time that I went in for a chemotherapy session, I had different nurses, but each time, I had support and care. My nurses were understanding and truly very helpful. Each nurse made such a difference in my entire treatment journey and I couldn’t have done it without their help.
I am incredibly glad I took action when I did. I could have ignored the symptoms but that’s just not my style. My early action in getting diagnosed has made a big difference in my treatment journey.
If you are facing a cancer screening or treatment decision, check out Cancer Research Malaysia’s patient decision aid today. It’s free to use and may help you in making decisions about your treatment and care.
Emi, aged 42
Breast cancer survivor
If this sounds like a lot, it is, but I am okay with it. I have three children, ages 10, 12 and 17. When I first found out that I had breast cancer, I decided to speak openly with my family about it. My kids were old enough to understand and ask questions, and I didn’t want to hide this from them.
That was the right move for me because when I underwent chemotherapy, I began to lose my hair. There was no hiding the fact. I talked about it with my kids a few times, so when it began to fall out, they were not surprised. My husband helped me to shave my head.
Chemotherapy was tough because there were so many side effects. Thankfully, I didn’t feel as nauseous as I thought I would be. However, I was exhausted, lost my appetite, and did not have the mood to do the things I usually did.
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer right now or just facing a cancer diagnosis, I have chosen to share my story because I want to share hope with you. The cancer journey is a tough one but I want you to know that you can overcome this.
I wanted to have access to important medical information and know what to expect. So, I hope that sharing my story helps you on your cancer journey.
I have had wonderful support around me, from my husband and kids to my other family members and friends. Everyone has been cheering me on, offering help, making meals, and sending me messages often. Every little bit helps. If you are like me, you most likely do not want to bother others. But everyone who cares about you can feel helpless and most want to help. So, please take the help offered.
My biggest piece of advice is to take things one day at a time and deal with your cancer head-on. Get as much information as possible, ask your doctor whatever questions you have, and do not be afraid. Don’t just let things be — take charge because this is your body, and you have a right to make decisions about your care and treatment.
Cancer is so common these days, but even so, everyone deals with cancer in their unique way. The thing I noticed is that once it happened, everything seemed to move so fast. It just took me by surprise, and then suddenly, I had all these decisions to make.
So take it slow, set your pace and do your best to understand what is happening. This is where your doctors can help you make sense of things.
You will be surrounded by a medical team, each person managing different aspects of your care as you move through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments. Remember that everyone’s cancer journey is different, and so the treatment options will be unique to each person.
Your medical team will help you make sense of your diagnosis and treatment options. Make sure you ask questions, get more information as needed, and finally, make decisions on the type of treatment that will suit you best.
Throughout my chemotherapy, which took just over six months, I was very lucky to have such a kind team of nurses around me. Every time that I went in for a chemotherapy session, I had different nurses, but each time, I had support and care. My nurses were understanding and truly very helpful. Each nurse made such a difference in my entire treatment journey and I couldn’t have done it without their help.
I am incredibly glad I took action when I did. I could have ignored the symptoms but that’s just not my style. My early action in getting diagnosed has made a big difference in my treatment journey.
If you are facing a cancer screening or treatment decision, check out Cancer Research Malaysia’s patient decision aid today. It’s free to use and may help you in making decisions about your treatment and care.
Emi, aged 42
Breast cancer survivor
Cancer Research Malaysia is the only non-profit organisation in Malaysia dedicated to saving lives through impactful cancer research in Asians. We have developed a unique patient decision aid specifically for cancer patients, and make this freely available on our website.
