Melissa's Story

Cancer has changed my life, and in some ways, I’m grateful for the wake-up call.

In early 2020, I found a tiny lump in my breast—not from regular checks, but because my bra felt uncomfortable.

I was Diagnosed 49 - March 2020

ER+ PR+HER2- grade 3 Grade 2A

Lumpectomy and full lymph node clearance.

It was just 1.2 cm, but something told me to get it checked.

It was close to what would have been my mum’s birthday. She had passed 18 months earlier, and I was still grieving. Looking back, I feel she guided me to find the lump.

Hearing “you have cancer” is devastating. I had a chemo, and 20 rounds of radiotherapy. It was grueling, but it transformed me. I look and feel different. Life now feels like a second chance.

Before cancer, I wasted time chasing perfection—cleaning obsessively and striving to be the “perfect” mum and wife. It was exhausting. Cancer taught me to focus on living instead of just existing.

The experience was tough—hair loss, fatigue, insomnia—but once through it, I realized how brave and strong I was. Facing mortality brought clarity and urgency.

In the last four years, I’ve lived more fully than ever. I’ve taken on extreme challenges like trekking the Sahara and walking the Great Wall of China, embraced charity work, and faced fears, even catching spiders!

Every day feels precious now, even the quiet ones. If you’re facing cancer, know it can be a new beginning. Use it to become the person you were always meant to be. ❤️