A Blocked Duct Turned Out To Be Breast Cancer

Early onset breast cancer – breast cancer occurring in women under the age of 45 – is on the rise. In Singapore, one out of six women diagnosed with breast cancer is under the age of 45. Women aged 20 to 39 are advised to do monthly breast self-examinations, while women between the ages of 40 and 49 are recommended to have yearly mammograms. If you notice a new lump in your breast, regardless of whether you are pregnant or nursing, get it checked by a specialist as soon as possible.

It was April 2021 when I first felt the lump in my left breast. “Argh, another blocked duct!” was my first thought. I was a 39-year-old second-time mother and was just weaning my son off breastfeeding.

The lump was slightly bigger than a pea, and felt familiar, like other blocked ducts I had previously. I didn’t think it was serious since I had no other symptoms and was exercising and eating well.

Six months later, when I was in the shower, I felt the lump again. This time, it surely had grown twofold. I began to get a little anxious, but since the Deepavali festivities were approaching, I delayed seeing a doctor until the following month.

I had done some research on Google before getting my breast checked. I read that 80 per cent of the time, a lump is benign. The statistic put me at ease. But when my doctor, Dr Lim Siew Kuan of Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, mentioned during the scan that my lump looked highly suspicious, fear started creeping in.

While my loved ones kept reassuring me that all would be fine, I felt uneasy.

When Dr Lim broke the news that it was breast cancer (Stage 2B, triple-positive), my husband and then-six-year-old daughter were in the room with me. I remember seeing the word “malignant” on my biopsy report and started crying.

I couldn’t register much of what Dr Lim was telling. But she assured us that my condition was treatable and we needed to find an oncologist soon to start treatment.

In the early days, while I was processing the news, I kept asking “why me?”. There was no history of breast cancer in my family. My genetic test also showed negative for the breast cancer gene.

I know my husband was equally devastated, but he kept a steadfast attitude throughout, and maintained that everything would turn out fine.

Being transparent about the journey

Though it wasn’t good news, my husband and I decided we weren’t going to hide. We informed our family and relatives.

I tried very hard not to cry in front of the kids. My son was only two at that time so he could not understand what was happening. The only thing he remembers today is that there was a time when mama had no hair. My daughter knew I was diagnosed with a “problem in the breast called cancer” and she saw how upset I was. But she tried to cheer me up with her chatter and play.

My husband also posted on social media when I went for my first chemotherapy session – it was an idea that I was on board with. The amount of support and love we received from friends, neighbours and relatives near and far was overwhelming. They were sending us good wishes and keeping me in their prayers. We received a couple of nice hampers and even flowers at each chemo session.

My oncologist, Dr Akhil Chopra at Oncocare Cancer Centre, actually came at the recommendation of a friend. Dr Chopra planned out my treatment meticulously and kept me motivated at each chemo cycle.

I started my treatment just a few days before Christmas in 2021. I did six sessions every three weeks, and finished up by early April 2022. I also had a lumpectomy at the end of April, and radiation and immunotherapy. In all, it was about one year of active treatment.

By May 2022, I received the good news that I was in remission.

My village was crucial

My mother and aunt stepped in to help with the kids as soon as the news broke. My mum moved in and my dad came every weekend. My in-laws who are based in India would regularly call and message me. And my sisters and cousins kept checking in on me.

On days when I felt horrible, I would send a message to some of our chat groups and immediately, words of strength, courage and prayers would be sent as replies. My good friend sent me soup to keep me strong. Our neighbours were supportive as well.

My loved ones, my entire village stood me by me, and now I am selfless when it comes to them.

I also can’t forget to mention my pet dog Zulu who would lie in bed with me whenever I felt unwell after chemo. He would refuse to eat until I did so, and followed me around like a shadow.

Getting through the tough days

Chemotherapy took a toll on me physically. It felt like I was hit by a truck. My hands and feet were numb, and I had body aches, tummy issues and ulcers. While I had a bag of medicines to help with some of the side effects, it took mental strength to rise above them.

I took the advice of my friend’s mother who had been through it herself. “Only watch TV shows that will make you laugh, only listen to music that will make you dance, and walking or going out daily is a must!”  

During that time, I also joined the Breast Cancer Foundation, and participated in some of their campaigns like the Pink Ribbon Walk. There is a Young Women’s Support Group where we would raise queries and support each other.

My kids were the reason why even on the worst days after chemo, I would get out of bed and make my way out to eat with them or be around them. On the good days, I even drove my daughter for her classes. I didn’t want them to see me just lying in bed miserably.

My hair loss didn’t deter me from going out for runs or meeting up with others. I think I looked quite good bald!

“I wish to grow every day.”

After my cancer diagnosis, I’ve shifted my priorities. I’ve created a daily routine that includes fitness, work (I’m a project manager) and time with family. I also find time for prayers every morning to give gratitude.

As a family, we enjoy hiking together in Singapore and other parts of Asia. I try to do Bollywood or Bhangra dance as well, an activity I’ve loved since young.

I took part in a duathlon in August 2023 and since then, I have taken part in half-marathon or cycling events. I try to do two races in a year now.

At work, I have become more assertive, accountable and confident – because I decided that anything I do professionally has to be purposeful, and I want to contribute as much as I can.

I generally don’t fret over nitty-gritty stuff now, but will regularly appraise myself whenever I feel I’m going off-track in terms of diet, thoughts, work or even managing my emotions.

I wish to grow every day, rather than stay stagnant or get stuck in a rut. If something isn’t working out despite my efforts, then let’s move on.