TA Huey Mein, 50, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer when she was 48.
It was a stage four diagnosis and the cancer had spread to her spine and leg.
Ta, who is single and has elderly parents, made swift decisions and diligently followed her oncologist's advice. She endured five rounds of radiotherapy and 18 cycles of chemotherapy.
After conventional treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was finally able to access innovative therapies.
This meant a lot to her because it not only controlled her cancer but allowed her to continue with life as usual.
"Be positive, and remember, you are not alone. Your family and doctors are there for you. Always seek accurate medical information from a credible medical practitioner as there is a lot of inaccurate information out there," says Ta to other breast cancer patients.
Ta, was among those who participated in the recent "Gift of Time" event, a celebration of breast cancer survivorship organised by National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Beacon Hospital and supported by Novartis Malaysia.
Dedicated to celebrating the resilience of breast cancer survivors, the all-encompassing session featured an enriching day that included wellness talks, survivor-sharing sessions, and mindfulness activities.
The aim is to create a platform for breast cancer survivors to come together and, ultimately, foster a robust peer support system.
This is following the findings that advanced breast cancer patients in particular have various unmet needs, such as the need for peer support . Around 47.9 per cent of breast cancer cases in Malaysia are detected at stages three and four.
Beacon Hospital head of oncology, Dr Tho Lye Mun says connecting with other survivors who are also on the same journey allows patients to empathise and support each other, celebrate milestones, and draw strength from their collective experiences.
"This can create a profound impact on how breast cancer survivors sustain their fight against the condition," adds Dr Tho.
NCSM managing director Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, says breast cancer survivors should not only focus on their physical wellbeing but also
the emotional and financial aspects of their journey.
"With all the medical advancements we see, preserved quality of life is no longer a luxury, but a necessity," he points out.
Gift of Time is a unique platform for patients to forge new connections and develop camaraderie, adds Novartis Malaysia country president, Mohamed Elwakil.
"Our support for initiatives such as "Gift of Time" is a result of having listened to what advanced breast cancer patients want and need. Ensuring patients' wellbeing and long-term survival goes beyond providing access to innovative medicines," he says.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia with close to 50 per cent of women presenting in advanced stages.