We are nearing the end of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and some of you might have donned the pink ribbon throughout the entire month of October in support of the movement. The BCAM is solely dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection and what better way to raise awareness than to speak to a survivor herself?
Last week, we spoke to Irene Yap, a Stage 1 breast cancer survivor and listened in as she shared her ordeal with us. Today, we hear the account of another breast cancer survivor’s story that belongs to Mila Umali Dragon, from the afternoon that we spent with her at the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NSCM).
When did you discover that you had breast cancer?
“I remember it so clearly, it was 2006, on the 1st of May. It was a public holiday so I was at home, getting some housework done. I was feeling very tired and at first I was under the impression that it was just fatigue and pressure from my job. But that day it was more unusual than ever – I felt like my right breast was having a fever.”
“The next day, I went to University Hospital in Petaling Jaya to check, they confirmed that there was a lump in my breast. The doctor did a biopsy and told me that I had Stage 2 breast cancer. I had to have a mastectomy, which was the surgical removal of my breast.”
What was going through your mind at that time?
“When my doctor told me that I needed to have a mastectomy, my mind went blank. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t feel. I didn’t know what cancer was. After that, I cried. I cried for two whole months throughout the entire process. It was a hard time for me because my family is in Philippines and except for my husband, I was alone here. But I didn’t want to worry my family so I didn’t break the news to them. I didn’t want them to worry unnecessarily”
“But I have my husband to thank. He quickly read up on cancer to understand me and my situation better. He was really supportive during my ordeal and he kept reminding me that it’s just the way life is, and that I have to go on. And I remember telling him that, yes, I will cope with it!”
How did your experience change your life?
“After my encounter with breast cancer, I decided to become a volunteer for NCSM’s Women’s Cancer Support Group. Where I am given many opportunities to reach out and help others like myself. It’s not easy when we’re all in the same boat but it really helps to be around people who truly understand each other. We draw strength from each other, realize that we’re not alone, and it encourages us to stay strong.”
Women usually shy away the moment they’re diagnosed with breast cancer. Perhaps it’s the trauma from understanding their bodily changes or the process of learning to accept what has happened to them that inevitably makes them more private. But here’s a special message from Mila Umali Dragon, to all the women in Malaysia:
For more information visit their website.
