When cancer treatment becomes a family journey

Tan Chiew Mei, a young mother with a second child on the way, learned she had breast cancer while pregnant. The emotional weight of the diagnosis was compounded by the thought of who would care for her baby if she were no longer there. Determined to fight, Tan focused on two things: receiving treatment and keeping her daughter. Oncologist Dr John Low highlighted the importance of understanding the treatment plan, side effects, and what to watch for at home.

Tan's journey was marked by numerous challenges, including chemotherapy, surgery, and the inability to breastfeed her newborn. Despite the difficulties, she leaned on her family's support and her oncology team for guidance. Tan's advice to other patients is to ask all questions, no matter how small, and to prioritize self-care during treatment.