Beauty After Breast Cancer: We Spoke To 2 Women About Their Journeys After Mastectomy

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As treatments such as mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation become part of their journey, many patients face significant and visible changes to their bodies.

However, while the journey through breast cancer can be daunting, many women have found ways to overcome the disease, reclaim their self-image, and continue living normal lives.

We spoke to 69-year-old Annie Ng, a retiree who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2021, and 49-year-old Janes Ong, who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2022.

Both women had mastectomies with adjuvant therapy, and are currently in remission.

Here's what they shared:

Annie: "Hello, I'm Annie Ng, I'm 69 this year, I'm a retiree who used to work in the beauty industry."

Janes: "Hi, my name is Janes Ong, and I'm 49 years old. I've been a vegetarian for 14 years, and outside of work, I have a love for nature, reading, and mindfulness meditation."

Annie: "I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on 8 December 2021. I felt a lump as I was massaging my breasts, which I usually do before going to bed. So, I went to see a doctor about it and got an ultrasound and biopsy done. They found a lump that was about 4cm big.

"I underwent six cycles of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, then 15 cycles of radiotherapy, and 17 Herceptin injections. It took almost two years from diagnosis, but I'm now cancer free!"

Janes: "I was diagnosed with stage two triple-negative breast cancer on 8 February 2022. My treatment included eight cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 17 cycles of immunotherapy, a mastectomy with pedicle TRAM flap reconstruction, 15 cycles of radiotherapy, and six cycles of oral chemotherapy."

Annie: "Of course, I was really sad. I couldn't help crying after the doctor first told me, and now still, I get emotional talking about it. It was hard to accept. But my son helped me through it all. My husband has passed away, so my son was my biggest support. He found me the best doctor and best hospital, and accompanied me to all my treatments at Sunway Cancer Centre."

Janes: "When the doctor broke the news about my diagnosis, I actually found myself fully embracing it. While many people might ask, 'Why me?', I also wondered, 'Why not me?'. I was calm even when the doctor reassured me that it was okay to cry. My only concern then was whether I might lose my job or be able to take unpaid medical leave, knowing that my treatment would take at least a year."

Annie: "Oh yes, definitely. Although hopeful, I still felt very sad going through treatment. Due to the chemotherapy, my hair dropped, my nails turned black, and my body felt weak. I was also in a lot of pain, especially after the surgery and radiation."

Janes: "No, there weren't any specific moments that significantly impacted my self-esteem. As the Forest Gump saying goes, 'Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get'. I've always believed in accepting the things we cannot change, and this mindset has been my anchor."

Annie: "No, at my age, I felt like I didn't need it. I didn't want to go for a second surgery and go through all that again. I'm content looking outwardly the same with a silicone bra on, although it can sometimes be uncomfortable."

Janes: "Yes, getting breast reconstruction surgery was important to me. It allowed me to maintain my overall appearance, which was significant to me. Wearing a prosthesis, on the other hand, can be quite troublesome, as you have to consider wear and tear, replacements over time, and potential adjustments if you gain or lose weight.

"However, I must add, the recovery process after the mastectomy and breast reconstruction wasn't easy. Beyond the physical pain, wound care was crucial to prevent infection. Rehab exercises were necessary to restore the range of motion in my arm and to help me stand straight. But all of that was temporary, and I believe the results are worth it."

Annie: "I'm just relieved to be cancer-free. I wish I could say my appearance did not bother me, but after my hair started falling, I did not go out much. If I did go out, I wore a cap over my head. I did not like that I was bald. Now, with my hair growing back and wearing a silicone bra, I feel braver telling my friends about what I went through and sharing about my experience with others."

Janes: "Through my journey with breast cancer, I've learned to let go of how others perceive me. In fact, I love myself even more now. I've come to appreciate that beauty comes from within, and I've learned to accept imperfections. My doctor also did an excellent job with my breast reconstruction, and I've come to fully embrace what I have and who I am."

Annie: "I would assure them that cancer is very curable now. Listen to your doctor's advice and trust in the process. I followed my doctor's instructions very strictly and here I am today."

Janes: "We're fortunate to live in a time when advanced medical care and technology are so accessible. Don't hesitate to talk openly with your breast specialist about your concerns and expectations regarding your surgery and reconstruction, they are there to support you and will strive to achieve the best outcomes for you.

"It's important to accept what life brings, trust in your doctors, have faith in your God, and most importantly, love yourself more."