Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
In conjunction with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hiba Abdul Rahman and Navi Indran Pillai tell us about getting diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s!
Here are their stories.
HIBA ABDUL RAHMAN
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 25.”
I went through the whole spectrum of treatment. This included surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, all of which caused me to experience fatigue, memory loss,, and weight gain due to the intense medication.
“To counter the fear I had of cancer, I armed myself with as much knowledge as possible.”
Preparing and knowing the next steps helped me in my decision-making and gave me some control over the situation and my body.
Like most women, I dreamt of being able to breastfeed my babies when the time came.
I would always internally reflect on each treatment I was about to undergo. I was concerned with how it would impact me internally more than how I would look externally.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
“I wanted to be able to define myself. I did not want cancer to take that away from me. I did not want my self-worth tied to my diagnosis and appearance.”
I am grateful to my biggest support system – my family, my mom, friends and my partner. It made me feel like I was not alone on this journey.
I also found a group of young cancer survivors through National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) with the same experiences and interests towards survivors’ mental health, working conditions and youth support.
When I was asked why I committed to spreading awareness of breast cancer, I answered:
“Because I feel like I have a voice that I could use,, and I am comfortable talking about my journey, I am comfortable telling people what I went through,, and I am comfortable telling people why I made certain decisions.”
After seven years of battling cancer, I have found my light. With therapy, support and self-love, I am now in a place of love and happiness. I fully embrace who I am and would not be the Hiba today had I not gone through cancer.
HIBA’s #normalforme: SOFT, YOUTHFUL & FEMININE (LEMBUT, PEJAL & FEMININ)
NAVI INDRAN PILLAI
“Finding the lump on my left breast was shocking to me as there was no history of breast cancer in the family,, and I was, after all, only 22.”
I was 22 years old and had landed my dream job after completing my studies in Mechanical Engineering.
Things changed rapidly. Many tough decisions had to be made – my job and my life-death situation as I was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer which had already spread to my lymph nodes.
Initially, I was scared by the stigma I’d seen in movies and dramas where the sick characters always lose their life to cancer. However, it did not deter me from starting my treatment.
I went through a lumpectomy, and a course of chemotherapy followed.
For illustrative purposes only.
“One of the hardest parts of my journey, apart from the side effects of my medication, was witnessing my luscious hair falling off.”
It felt like I was losing my femininity for a moment, but getting healthier was my priority, so I soldiered on.
Although my journey has not been easy, I find great joy in giving other people hope.
I believe this to be my purpose – to be the light to people’s darkness by writing, giving advice, and posting random happy things on social media.
“Do what you think is right. If it makes you happy, do it.”
This journey has made me who I am – a happy person full of confidence. I am grateful for life and thankful that I can teach and educate people about living life.
I dream of opening a wellness centre and a foundation where people can donate to help other cancer patients.
To me, knowing what is expected is critical. Every person’s “normal” is different. Having a person you are comfortable with confiding in is also essential.
Sharing your fears out loud may save your life. Ensure regular screening, get tested and look at the positive side of things because there will be ways to overcome any challenge.
I describe my life now as grateful, happy, content and peaceful.
NAVI’s #normalforme: SMOOTH, LIGHT & COMFY (LICIN, RINGAN & SELESA)
For illustrative purposes only.
#NormalForMe Campaign
Avon is launching a global social media takeover for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October , this month! They aim to encourage conversation and understanding about breast health and to drive awareness around early detection, as it could ultimately save lives.
Along with the #NormalForMe campaign, Avon Malaysia also has a fundraising campaign featuring a selection of Avon’s best-selling products, including fragrances, intimate apparel and skincare from 1 until 31 October 2022.
How everyone can get involved!!
- Avon invites everyone with a Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account to join this Breast Cancer Awareness month.
- Share your own three words that best describe your boobs (or pecs), and use the hashtag #NormalForMe
- Help us raise awareness around early detection because early detection saves lives!
Visit shop.avon.my and purchase our fundraising products to raise money for our breast cancer charity partners, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), to fund breast screenings, outreach programmes and knowledge dissemination to the public of Malaysia.
Know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my, and we may feature the story!
For more stories like this, read:
“Before passing away to cancer, he called me his hero.” – MMA Fighter Reveals Why He Competes
I Had My Stomach Surgically Halved – Life As A 250KG Obese Person Is Extremely Expensive!
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