Finding Strength Within and Rising Above: Empower Yourself in the Breast Cancer Journey

At 74, Sara embodies resilience, independence, and joy. A proud mother and grandmother, she has built a full and meaningful life surrounded by family and friends. But in 2017, her world shifted when she discovered a lump in her breast. What followed was a journey of courage and healing — one that taught her the power of self-motivation, strength, and hope. Please tell us a little bit about yourself My full name is Muthusamy Saraswathi, my Indian name — but I go by Sara. I turned 74 this June. I’m a very independent person who lives alone. I became a single mother at 39, after filing for divorce, and raised my two children — a son who is now 52 and a daughter who is 46. Both are married with their own families. My daughter lives in the US, while my son lives here in Singapore. I have four wonderful grandchildren — two boys and two girls. I’m happily single, living in a condo by myself, surrounded by many friends. I enjoy going out for breakfast, traveling, and spending time with people who bring me joy. Can you tell us about your journey with breast cancer — how you first discovered it, and what went through your mind? It was in 2017. I had delayed my routine check-up, telling myself I’d go “later.” Then, three days after Deepavali, I woke up at 3am and felt some something under my right breast. When I touched it, I found a lump. I panicked. At 3am, I drove to my son’s house and sat in their basement bathroom for an hour, not knowing what to do, before driving back home, still in shock. The next day, I told two close friends — one of them a nurse — and they encouraged me to get checked immediately. My daughter-in-law also helped by contacting her brother, who worked in healthcare. Things moved very quickly: I went for a mammogram that very evening, and it was confirmed to be cancer. Through her brother, I was referred to my breast surgeon. My doctor performed a lumpectomy. From the start, she was more than a doctor to me. Whenever I was feeling down, she would sit with me, hold my hand, and take the time to talk. I felt blessed to be in such caring hands. For the past eight years, I’ve continued to see both my breast surgeon and oncologist, and I am deeply grateful for their care and compassion. What was your biggest concern or worry at that time, and how did you go about finding information or support? My biggest worry was: what will happen to me? At first, I didn’t even tell my children — I didn’t want to burden them.  But I was also fortunate to have strong support from my family, for instance my daughter-in-law and her family, who helped me get immediate access to doctors. That gave me great comfort — knowing I wasn’t alone and that I had trusted professionals guiding me through. What helped you find strength during your treatment and recovery? A few things gave me strength.  First of all, I learned to motivate myself. I didn’t want to depend on others for everything. I would go out, meet my friends, treat myself to a nice meal, or simply enjoy Singapore — a beautiful country where we are blessed with excellent healthcare. Faith also played a role. Turning to my faith gave me peace, and writing in a journal helped me process my feelings. These became my secret mantras for strength. And of course, my family supported me — especially my twin granddaughters, who always lifted my spirits. My daughter-in-law’s mother also cooked nourishing soups for me, which I deeply appreciated. What does “survivorship” mean to you, and how do you define “living well” after cancer? To me, survivorship means self-motivation. You must be your own source of strength. Don’t stay at home and wallow in self-pity. Go out, meet friends, move your body, eat well, and find joy in small things. Living well after cancer means being at peace with yourself. If you’re religious, turn to your faith. If you’re struggling, write your thoughts in a journal — it helps to unburden yourself. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask, but don’t cling to others. Learn to support yourself emotionally first. What is one piece of advice you would give to other women going through a similar journey? One piece of advice I would give is to learn how to motivate yourself and not rely on others for everything. It’s natural to feel down at times, but try not to fall into self-pity. Instead, remind yourself that you are stronger than you think.  Always treat yourself kindly and do something that brings you joy — step out, take a walk, or enjoy a meal. These small acts of self-care remind you that you are capable, and they give you the courage to keep moving forward. What is a mantra, philosophy, or lesson you carry with you today? “Help yourself first, unburden your heart, and remind yourself: I can do this. Motivate yourself with kindness, know that not all is lost, and keep moving forward — always remembering, I can do this for myself.” Sara’s story reminds us that while cancer can be life-changing, it does not define who you are. Her journey reflects the strength of choosing self-motivation over self-pity, faith over fear, and joy over despair. Today, she lives fully — travelling, sharing meals with friends, and cherishing her family — while holding on to her mantra. If you notice any lumps, bumps, or other abnormal changes in your breasts, don’t let fear deter you — consult a breast surgeon. Early detection saves lives, and survivors like Sara show that life after cancer can still be vibrant and fulfilling.
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Early Menopause After Breast Cancer: Navigating Sudden Changes with Care

For many women, menopause is a natural life stage that usually happens in their 40s or 50s [1]. But for women with breast cancer, menopause can come much earlier, sometimes suddenly, and bring a unique set of challenges When Menopause Comes Early Menopause occurs when your periods stop permanently [1]. Some breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, can trigger it sooner than expected [2].  Early menopause is more than a hormonal change, it’s a deeply personal transition that can reshape how you feel about your body, your relationships and your future [3] [4]. While some women may feel relief at no longer having periods, others may grieve the body they had before cancer.  Common menopausal symptoms include [5]: Unlike natural menopause, which often happens gradually, early menopause can come abruptly and feel more intense [6] [7]. The suddenness can come as a shock, and the emotional and physical changes overwhelming.  Living with Emotional and Physical Shifts Menopausal symptoms affect more than just your body—they ripple into your daily life. They can affect intimacy, self-image, work performance and overall well-being, sometimes leading to depression or anxiety [8] [9].  For instance, vaginal dryness or reduced sex drive may make intimacy uncomfortable, straining relationships and self-perception [4] [10]. Hot flushes and difficulty concentrating can affect work, creating frustration or embarrassment [11].  For younger women, early menopause adds another emotional layer [10]. Fertility concerns and disruptions to sexual life during peak reproductive years can intensify feelings of loss. [7] [11].  Experiencing menopause when most peers have not yet entered this stage can feel isolating and impact self-identity [11].  Finding Ways to Cope and Reconnect Managing menopausal changes is an important part of follow-up care for breast cancer survivors [12]. Treatment decisions and coping strategies depend on symptom severity and potential side effects [13]. Certain lifestyle changes can help make things more manageable. Discuss your options with your doctor to find what’s most suitable for you.  Practical tips for managing hot flushes and vaginal dryness [13] [14]: Seeking support, from your doctor, a therapist or fellow breast cancer survivors, can help you process the changes and remind you that you are not alone.  Reconnecting with Your Body Menopause management isn’t only about easing symptoms. It’s about rebuilding a connection with your body. Research shows that body image concerns often persist after cancer, and survivors may feel disconnected or perceive their bodies as changed or damaged [15].  Surgical scars, early menopause and other physical changes can make self-acceptance difficult. Yet acknowledging  these feelings, practicing patience, and slowly cultivating a kinder relationship with your body are vital steps in recovery.  Your body has endured treatment, adapted, and continues to carry you through life. It deserves care, respect and compassion. With the right support, you can adjust, rediscover balance and move forward with strength.  Survivorship isn’t only about overcoming cancer, it’s about embracing a new chapter with confidence and resilience. Learn More Early menopause after breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Breast Years of Your Life: Living Well After Breast Cancer offers practical guidance and heartfelt support to help you manage symptoms, reconnect with your body, and embrace this new chapter with confidence. Explore this compassionate guide and take steps toward living well after breast cancer. References [1] Mayo Clinic, Menopause  [2] Cancer Research UK, Menopausal symptoms and cancer treatment [3] Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, Sexual identity after breast cancer sexuality, body image, and relationship repercussions [4] Women & Therapy, Chemically-Induced Menopause and the Sexual Functioning of Breast Cancer Survivors [5]  Cleveland Clinic, Premature and Early Menopause  [6] Annals of Oncology, Menopausal symptoms in women undergoing chemotherapy-induced and natural menopause: a prospective controlled study [7] The Cancer Journal, Concerns About Sexuality After Breast Cancer [8] Journal of Transcultural Nursing, Effects of Menopausal Symptoms and Depression on the Quality of Life of Premenopausal Women With Breast Cancer in Korea [9] Cancer Research, Statistics and Treatment, Body image disturbances among breast cancer survivors A narrative review of prevalence and correlates [10] Journal of Thoracic Disease, Premature menopause in young breast cancer: effects on quality of life and treatment interventions [11] European Journal of Cancer Care, Younger and older women's concerns about menopause after breast cancer [12] The American Journal of Medicine, "Breast cancer, menopause, and long-term survivorship: critical issues for the 21st century" [13] Breast Cancer Now, Menopausal Symptoms and Breast Cancer [14] Cleveland Clinic, Vaginal Dryness  [15] The Breast, Body image in breast cancer survivors: Age-moderated effects of treatment-induced menopause and fertility concerns
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Will My Breast Cancer Come Back? Coping with the Fear of Recurrence

Reaching the end of breast cancer treatment can feel like crossing a finishing line—a sense of relief along with a tender reminder of your strength. Yet even in that moment, it’s natural to wonder: Will my cancer come back?  Living with Uncertainty “I finished treatment, so why does it still feel like my journey isn’t over?” As you transition into life after treatment, you may wish to regain your sense of normalcy you had before cancer life [1]. Your friends and family may expect things to “go back to normal” [2], not realising that recovery is more than physical scars—it’s a longer, emotional journey.  Navigating your new identity as a survivor often brings a mix of emotions: fear, sadness, even anger [3]. At the core of these feelings is often the fear of recurrence, the worry that cancer may return or progress [1].  This ongoing uncertainty can lead to anxiety and depression [4], impacting your quality of life and making it harder to stay in the present or plan for the future [1] [5] [6].  A fear of recurrence can be triggered by [3] [7]: Why Cancer Recurrence happens “If treatment was successful, why does cancer still return?” It’s common to worry that cancer recurrence means that your treatment has failed or that you did something wrong— but that isn’t true [8]. During surgery, all the cancer that can be seen or felt has been removed. However, a small number of cancer cells may still remain and go undetected, even after chemotherapy or radiotherapy [8] [9]. Over time, these cells may grow into tumours [9]. The risk of cancer recurrence is usually highest in the first few years after treatment and tends to decrease over time [10][11]. However, recurrence can still occur many years later, which is why ongoing body awareness and regular follow-up care remain important [12]. There are three main types of recurrence [12]: Your risk is influenced by factors such as the cancer size, type, grade and specific biological characteristics of the cancer, and whether your lymph nodes were affected [13]. Your medical team can help you understand what your specific situation means.  How to Cope with the Fear “Can I still live my life when the fear is always there?” It’s completely normal to worry about cancer coming back.  Although this fear can help you to stay more alert to changes in your body after treatment, for some, the uncertainty can feel paralysing and become an ever-present emotional burden. A new ache or pain can trigger anxiety, and it can be challenging to distinguish between normal and possible signs of recurrence [1]. Shifting your focus to what you can control — such as keeping up with follow-up medical appointments and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Below are some strategies to manage your fear [14]: Stay Informed Discuss your risk of recurrence with your treatment team and ask how you can manage it, including what symptoms to be aware of. Manage Lingering Side Effects If post-treatment side effects are impacting your daily life, talk to your doctor about ways to manage them. The side effects can sometimes make it more difficult to heal emotionally and move forward. Manage Stress and Anxiety Healthily If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider going for a walk, yoga, meditation or taking slow, deep breaths to help calm yourself. Talk to a Professional If fear becomes too much to handle, seeking help from a counsellor or psychologist can make a meaningful difference. Talking to a professional helps you put your fears and worries into words, making them clearer and easier to understand. This process creates distance from your anxieties, reducing their power over you and helping you find practical ways to cope. Find a Community Join a support group to connect with fellow patients and survivors who understand your journey in ways even loved ones may not.  Express Yourself Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting or writing can help you process and release difficult emotions. Acknowledging your fear is an important and valid part of healing. These creative outlets provide a safe way to express feelings, which can reduce anxiety by helping you understand and manage your emotions more effectively. Everyone copes in their own way. Whether it is leaning on friends, seeking help from professionals, connecting with fellow survivors or expressing yourself through creativity, what matters most is finding what brings you comfort and peace. With kindness and patience for yourself, your unique journey can lead to healing and growth. As a survivor, you may feel the need to be strong or keep your struggles to yourself. Remember, healing takes time, and it’s completely natural to experience moments of vulnerability as you find your way to a new normal. The road ahead may not always be easy, but remember you are not alone. Many women like you, have walked this path with quiet strength and open hearts. Their stories can guide you through the tough moments, reminding you that strength, resilience, and hope are possible — even when the road feels uncertain. Article reviewed by Ms Frances Yeo, Clinical Director & Principal Psychologist at Frances Yeo Psychology Practice. References [1] Psychosocial experiences of breast cancer survivors: a meta-review  [2] Breast Cancer Now, Moving Forward: For people living with and beyond a diagnosis of breast cancer  [3] Irish Cancer Society, Fear of cancer coming back (recurrence)  [4] Fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors in Singapore  [5] Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression: What Is It and What Can We Do About It?  [6] Cancer Council Australia, Living Well After Cancer [7] Assessing and managing patient fear of cancer recurrence [8] National Cancer Institute, Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back [9] Cancer Research UK, Why some cancers come back [10] Hazard of Recurrence among Women after Primary Breast Cancer Treatment — A 10-Year  Follow-up Using Data from SEER-Medicare [11] Johns Hopkins Medicine, Breast Cancer Recurrence [12] Cleveland Clinic, Breast Cancer Recurrence [13] Mayo Clinic, Recurrent Breast Cancer [14] Cancer Council NSW, Managing the fear of recurrence
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