Josie, 38 years old

I remember telling the nurse how tight my throat felt since the day my surgeon broke the news of my breast cancer diagnosis. The nurse explained that it was a form of anxiety due to me suppressing my emotions. "Cry it out," she suggested, as this would help me to release these feelings and gather all my energy and courage to face my treatment journey. 

Her words gave me clarity. I cried. It felt like my world had come tumbling down and I shared with the nurse my worries for my daughter. The nurse gave me some practical tips as well – getting my will drawn, involving my sisters in my treatment, and advising them of my last wishes, just in case. 

"Break the news to your parents and daughter too," she encouraged. All this may be a taboo for some patients but it was a big help for me. I needed such advice, especially from professionals like my doctors and nurses, who have seen many similar cases, particularly when my mind was overwhelmed with too much information. My nurse instilled positivity in me to fight the cancer. 

Today, I am a survivor. Thank you, SKH, for being confident in treating me. Also, a big thank you to my family members, especially my siblings, soulmate, and daughter for being there for me throughout this difficult time. 

Judith, 32 years old

The time spent in the oncology department while undergoing chemotherapy treatment was memorable. It gave me a chance to see other cancer patients undergoing the same treatment. Seeing other patients at different stages of their treatment was encouraging. It felt like all of us were fighting a common enemy together. 

Through this journey, I have learned that I have a very positive attitude to life as I coped well with the diagnosis and treatment – much better than I thought I would. This has helped me to apply the same attitude towards other aspects of life. I'm still not at the end of my journey as I'm on follow-up and monitoring. But I'm in a much better state of mind and body today. 

The journey may seem long and tedious as though it's not going to end, but eventually it will, and you will come to realise that other challenges that you may encounter in the future will appear so much easier once you've already been through one of the toughest battles in life.

Nooridah Mohd Noor, 38 years old

I was in denial when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was only 37 years old and there was no history of cancer in my family. 

My world stopped and I didn't hear what my breast surgeon had to say after she mentioned the word "aggressive". I was more worried for my then two-year-old son. Shortly after, I discovered I was pregnant again, on top of this new cancer diagnosis. 

I've been very blessed with the kind nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and gynaecologists whom I have met on this journey. My medical oncologist, Dr Ryan Tan, is ever-patient in answering my never-ending questions, and the nurses are always so warm and friendly, they always try to make me forget about the discomforts involved with treatment, especially the chemotherapy. 

I remember I was in the recovery bay after my surgery and my newborn baby was in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). I was emotional and cried after gaining consciousness but my breast surgeon, Dr Sabrina Ngaserin, was there wiping away my tears. I'm amazed at how strong my body can be – growing a baby in me while I went through chemotherapy, undergoing surgery right after delivery. Our body is resilient, and so should our attitude be. Even through the toughest and darkest days, keep the faith and never give up!