Hi, I'm Lilly from Hong Kong. My cancer journey started in 2023 when I felt a lump in my breast and it was eventually confirmed to be stage 2 breast cancer.

I discovered a lump in my breast, and so I visited a general practitioner for an examination. I went through an ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration biopsy, but the results were inconclusive.

There was no clear answer as to whether it was benign or malignant.

After six months of observation, I went for another ultrasound, and it showed that the lump had grown significantly. This time, a core needle biopsy revealed it was malignant. I had stage 2 breast cancer.

After the diagnosis, I stopped drinking alcohol completely. I also ate a healthier diet at least three to five days a week, whilst working out 50% more than I used to.

My doctor recommended the following treatment options as part of my care:

• Mastectomy
• Lymphadenectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Pain medication

After learning about this plan, I did seek a second opinion because I wanted to know more treatment options.

I eventually decided to follow through with it, trusting in my doctor’s recommendations and having done my own research. I felt slightly relieved and hopeful after making this decision.

I’m currently receiving treatment with chemotherapy.

I didn't experience any side effects from the treatments or medications thus far.

After treatment started, I continued cutting out alcohol, eating a healthier diet and exercising more often.

Other notable changes in my life include my bond with my daughter. While we’ve had to cut back on our yearly family trips, I do spend more time with her since being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Looking ahead, I have some plans for myself and my family. I make time for exercise, which means my daughter will sometimes need to be watched by other family members. To eat healthier, my husband and mother cook at home more often. I have regular health check-ups too; I hope my employer can understand.

As for myself, I am:

• exercising for 150 minutes each week,
• avoiding unhealthy foods,
• maintaining a regular daily routine,
• learning to manage work stress better, and
• actively attending regular check-ups and follow-up appointments.

My biggest dream is to be there for my daughter as she grows into an adult. Therefore, I will make every effort to participate actively in treatment and avoid recurrence.

I also aspire to have more days together with my loved ones.

I am afraid of the side effects of treatment and the possibility that my employer won’t be understanding since I have to take a break of up to six months for treatment. But what scares me the most is relapsing in a short period of time.

To overcome these fears, I learned about all the side effects of treatment and followed my doctor's instructions to be fully prepared.

I will discuss my situation with my employer about the work arrangements during my leave and prepare detailed handover notes. As for the possibility of a relapse, it's beyond my control; I leave it to God.

Now, I am optimistic. I feel courageous, inspired and thankful.

When you find that you’re not feeling well, you should get it checked as soon as possible; find out the cause of the problem to avoid delaying your diagnosis and treatment. Listen to your doctors' advice and get opinions from one or two other doctors.

Doing your own research online to prepare yourself can also help alleviate many doubts. Cooperate actively with your treatment, seek support from family and friends and share your feelings with them. It's also wise to get critical illness and medical insurance to avoid worrying about the cost of treatment.