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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.