I have been a breast cancer and bone metastasis survivor for 17 years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer which metastasised to my chest bone the same year: 2004. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed to save my life. The side effects from the treatments were strong and still exist now.

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The effects reduced day by day and now don’t bother my daily activities. Maybe it is because I am used to it. Regular check-ups are essential for me. I have to report to a physician every 3 months to have blood tests, and a breast ultrasound, mammography and bone scan once a year. Luckily, the results are, ‘so far, so good’.

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Before my sickness, I had a decent job and was a happy business woman. During my illness, I quit my job due to obvious side effects. After 2 years of rest at home, I returned to the workplace after my health improved. It was a thrill to be able to work again. When I am at home alone, I often have negative thoughts – and if my body has a little pain, I worry about whether it has been transferred to another place.

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I’ve been back to work since 2006. As I recalled, I told my manager about my illness during the interview. I have to wear a scarf to cover my almost hairless head and I need to be admitted to hospital for check-ups every other week. My manager has shown her sympathy and accepted what I look like – and has consented to other colleagues covering my shift when I need to go for check-ups. I feel so relieved and grateful.

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Being back to work makes life more fulfilling, meaningful and, most importantly, I gradually forget the pain and discomfort while busy. At the beginning, I was struggling to work long hours because of weakness – I felt exhausted and sleepy after work. A few months later, I gained energy and strength through regularly exercise and going to bed early. Being interactive with colleagues and customers has allowed me to think positively and build up confidence. Working from 9 to 5 isn’t a problem for me now and I can deal with pressure like others. Furthermore, being able to interact with people and work like a normal person has made me cherish every moment I get even more. I thank my god that gave me the opportunity to be reborn, and I want to live life to the fullest.

In 2006, I joined the ranks of breast cancer volunteers in the hospital where I took the treatments. We visit the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the ward and hold medical lectures on weekends; we share our own experiences and encourage and support them to bravely face the illness and accept treatment, how to deal with the problems caused by side effects and, ultimately, to help them to restore their lives and live self-confidently as they used to. There were many breast cancer survivors around me who returned to the workplace after recovering. Some of them – whose physical strength and spirit are admirable – were still working during treatments.

‍

After joining a voluntary group, I have had the opportunity to participate in events hosted by the TBCA. These events – and the TBCA platform – have offered a wonderful connection with other patient groups with whom we exchanged experiences. That’s very precious. Lastly, being a hospital volunteer will be my lifelong goal, and ‘breast cancer prevention and treatment advocacy’ is also the main task that I want to achieve. In Taiwan, the age of breast cancer is getting younger, which is shocking. I hope that, through breast cancer awareness advocacy, women can be helped. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the more pain can be alleviated, and the more precious life can be extended.

I have been a breast cancer and bone metastasis survivor for 17 years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer which metastasised to my chest bone the same year: 2004. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed to save my life. The side effects from the treatments were strong and still exist now.

‍

The effects reduced day by day and now don’t bother my daily activities. Maybe it is because I am used to it. Regular check-ups are essential for me. I have to report to a physician every 3 months to have blood tests, and a breast ultrasound, mammography and bone scan once a year. Luckily, the results are, ‘so far, so good’.

‍

Before my sickness, I had a decent job and was a happy business woman. During my illness, I quit my job due to obvious side effects. After 2 years of rest at home, I returned to the workplace after my health improved. It was a thrill to be able to work again. When I am at home alone, I often have negative thoughts – and if my body has a little pain, I worry about whether it has been transferred to another place.

‍

I’ve been back to work since 2006. As I recalled, I told my manager about my illness during the interview. I have to wear a scarf to cover my almost hairless head and I need to be admitted to hospital for check-ups every other week. My manager has shown her sympathy and accepted what I look like – and has consented to other colleagues covering my shift when I need to go for check-ups. I feel so relieved and grateful.

‍

Being back to work makes life more fulfilling, meaningful and, most importantly, I gradually forget the pain and discomfort while busy. At the beginning, I was struggling to work long hours because of weakness – I felt exhausted and sleepy after work. A few months later, I gained energy and strength through regularly exercise and going to bed early. Being interactive with colleagues and customers has allowed me to think positively and build up confidence. Working from 9 to 5 isn’t a problem for me now and I can deal with pressure like others. Furthermore, being able to interact with people and work like a normal person has made me cherish every moment I get even more. I thank my god that gave me the opportunity to be reborn, and I want to live life to the fullest.

In 2006, I joined the ranks of breast cancer volunteers in the hospital where I took the treatments. We visit the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the ward and hold medical lectures on weekends; we share our own experiences and encourage and support them to bravely face the illness and accept treatment, how to deal with the problems caused by side effects and, ultimately, to help them to restore their lives and live self-confidently as they used to. There were many breast cancer survivors around me who returned to the workplace after recovering. Some of them – whose physical strength and spirit are admirable – were still working during treatments.

‍

After joining a voluntary group, I have had the opportunity to participate in events hosted by the TBCA. These events – and the TBCA platform – have offered a wonderful connection with other patient groups with whom we exchanged experiences. That’s very precious. Lastly, being a hospital volunteer will be my lifelong goal, and ‘breast cancer prevention and treatment advocacy’ is also the main task that I want to achieve. In Taiwan, the age of breast cancer is getting younger, which is shocking. I hope that, through breast cancer awareness advocacy, women can be helped. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the more pain can be alleviated, and the more precious life can be extended.