I had my breast tumor removed last year. It was discovered while I was having a breast examination by a doctor after accompanying a friend to her check-up. I never expected a tumor to be in me, I just checked for fun.

The doctor did not give any comments on whether it was cancerous or not, just gave me some brief facts and reassurances that it might not be cancerous and such. I was really scared and I cried when I had the scanning. After less than half an hour, I had a report of the accurate size and picture of the lump.

I called my then boyfriend and family and cried. I kept thinking of dying and how I was too young to die. How the things I did will affect me, and how I will never experience the things I haven’t done. Weddings, child birth, I was only 20 going on 21. After a month of preparing myself for operation and the outcome, I checked myself at SMC Malaysia, in Sabah. Away from extended family members and friends.

I don’t want people to know, but I was ashamed. The operation was less than 2 hours, and it was my first operation. It was painful but it was not as bad as I thought. Less than a week later, I was declared cancer-free. It was like I was given another chance to live.

My point is, cancer is not a death ticket. We can fight cancer.

I had this thought that I had cancer before the operation, and I made it a point to be open minded, and to be positive that I can fight it. There are many death stories of cancer but there are also many survivors. The only thing is early diagnosis. SO please get yourself checked. Paranoia is good as it can saves lives.

I am lucky, I have resources and insurance. I think some people, especially in Malaysia, cannot afford to have an early diagnosis due to financial constraints, and government hospitals might be really cheap, but the service is bad. I might have a full report in less than an hour, but other people in government hospitals have to wait for many months to even get a report.

Cancer does not collaborate with time, and this is dangerous. Therefore the government and organizations should do something to combat this issue.

To all cancer patients and survivors, and those affected by cancer in family members, be strong. Do not let the sickness corrupt you. Cancer is curable, just be positive. Xoxo.

Anyone can share their stories do email me at. I will love to publish your stories in my blog to inspire anyone with cancer or with a loved one affected by cancer.

—Nadia Ramli

When you hear the term “breast cancer survivor”, you probably think of someone who has had AND beat this dreadful disease. Have you stopped to consider the other survivors of this disease, the silent survivors?

First off, I am not taking anything away from the unfortunate people that have been diagnosed with breast cancer — I lost my mother, my maternal grandmother, and a cousin to breast cancer so I have the utmost respect and admiration for these survivors.

However, it is because I lost these loved ones that I feel I am a survivor.

I first realized that there was something different about my grandmother when I was a child. One day I went into her bedroom without knocking (a BIG NO-NO) as she was dressing. I quickly noticed that she was missing a breast and horrifically scarred.

I remember asking her where her “boobie” went. She sat me down on the bed and explained that when she was 33 years old, she had breast cancer and had her breast removed to ensure that she would be around for her grandchildren. I accepted the explanation without much thought and went about my happy way as any child would do.

Nineteen years ago, I was your average 17-year-old when my mother died after battling breast cancer for 16 months. I was thrown into shock and despair. Suddenly, my curiosity about breast cancer became an obsession!

I talked to doctors, specialists, and other breast cancer patients to learn as much as I could about this disease that took my best friend. At that time, my grandmother had been cancer free for almost 30 years, bless her soul. With her guidance, she finished the chore of raising a motherless child.

For eight years after my mother died, I adored, listened, and cherished the bond that I had formed with my grandmother — thankful that I was lucky enough to have another love like my mother. Unfortunately, time was not on our side. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her other breast and the odds were stacked against her. “NOT AGAIN” was my first thought.

I really didn’t think I could bear to lose another person and to the same disease. Being wiser the second time around, we made the best of our time and said our good-byes on my birthday. Three days later, she passed away — from breast cancer.

So you see, I have survived this disease. I survived the deaths of two great women. I have stayed educated and healthy thanks to my doctors.

I have tested positive for the BRCA gene – no surprise there – and I am classified as high-risk. Even though it’s a lifelong fear that I will get breast cancer, I remain positive that I won’t die from this disease. I’ll simply become a different survivor – a breast cancer survivor, not just a silent survivor.

All year long, especially in October, I honor their memories and support the efforts for all breast cancer initiatives. Please do the same.

by— Dana P. at Peapod Studio