Breast Cancer Survivor Says She Was Divorced For Undergoing A Mastectomy
Her ex-husband opposed the procedure and told her to seek traditional medical treatment instead.
By Celine Low — 22 Dec 2023, 04:48 PM
A former stage four breast cancer patient underwent surgery to remove one of her breasts and was subsequently divorced by her husband because of it
The 54-year-old woman shared her painful experience during an interview with Harian Metro at the Family Support Division's Ceremony of Advanced Nafkah Aid organised by the Terengganu Syariah Courts.
Following her diagnosis, the woman's doctor advised her to undergo a mastectomy to remove one of her breasts and prevent the cancer from spreading.
However, the woman's husband opposed the suggestion.
"He suggested that I seek traditional treatment instead," the woman said.
Despite her husband's opposition to removing the cancer-afflicted breast, she proceeded with the surgery, prioritising her own health and life
Angered by her decision, her then-husband decided to file for a divorce.
Before the divorce, her husband told her that individuals with breast cancer would only live for about a year.
Despite that, the woman has been a breast cancer survivor for the last seven years.
"But to me, life or death is Allah's will. Seven years after the surgery, I am still alive.
"However, stress from the pressure caused by my ex-husband resulted in a range of health issues, including depression, muscle pains, mood swings, and more," she said.
Reflecting on that tumultuous period in her life, the woman expressed disappointment with her ex-husband's lack of support her during her battle with cancer
She now lives a calmer, more peaceful life with her second child.
Although there are many issues that could be brought up, the woman decided to reclaim her rights, only seeking childcare alimony from her ex-husband.
"Nevertheless, I feel as if I've escaped hell on earth after choosing the wrong person to share my life with," she said.
