How did you find out you had breast cancer, and what was your condition and the doctor’s feedback?
In the months before my diagnosis, I often felt tired and dizzy, and my weight dropped from 54 kg to 49 kg. Even the elderly man at the noodle shop I passed daily asked if I was sick because I looked pale and had lost so much weight. I just thought I was finally slimming down.
When I tried to donate blood, I kept getting turned away due to suspected anemia. I took iron supplements for three months, but my symptoms didn’t improve. Then, one evening in late December 2021 — the same day my son’s kindergarten took graduation photos — I discovered a hard, immobile lump near my left nipple. It was about the size of a 50 NT dollar coin and felt strange, like it had appeared out of nowhere.
My aunt, a doctor, urged me to get it checked immediately. By chance, the next day I found an open slot at a breast clinic. After an exam, ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy, the doctor already suspected malignancy. The results soon confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer. Without hesitation, I followed my doctor’s treatment plan — everything happened so quickly, and I just trusted the process.
Facing cancer is never easy. Could you share how you felt when you first received the diagnosis?
Before my cancer diagnosis, I was already struggling with depression due to some uncontrollable family issues. I was physically and mentally exhausted, but for my children, I made sure to take my medication and attend follow-ups regularly. Thankfully, just before my son’s graduation photo day, I finally felt like myself again — the dark cloud over me had lifted. But only a few days later, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my newly found peace crumbled.
With my older child in second grade and my younger one in kindergarten, and my husband working away from home, I had no one to help care for the kids — let alone myself. The fear of how we would manage once treatment started sent me into another emotional low. I turned to my psychiatrist again, and they reassured me that stabilizing my mental health was crucial before starting treatment.
Going back on medication and regular therapy helped me stay calm and face what lay ahead. For my children, I knew I had to stay strong and fight through it all. Looking back, I truly believe a mother’s love is an incredibly powerful force.
How did your mindset and lifestyle change throughout your treatment?
I went through a total of nine chemotherapy sessions — four with the “Red Devil” (Doxorubicin) and five with Taxol. The Red Devil’s side effects hit me hard; soon after the red liquid entered my body, I’d feel nauseous, and any smell would make me want to vomit. I often kept my hospital bed curtain closed because I didn’t want others to see me suffering. When I switched to Taxol, the side effects were more manageable — numbness in my hands and feet and stomach pain, which could be eased with medication and ice packs. Though I lost my hair — actually, all body hair — and looked pale and thin, those didn’t bother me as much. As long as I didn’t have to endure the Red Devil, I was relieved.
After chemo, I had surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation and targeted therapy. The entire treatment process took nearly two years. The hardest part was at the start — by the end, targeted therapy felt easy, like a mini getaway where I could eat what I liked and binge-watch my favorite shows.
Illness shows you people’s true faces — who truly cares and who’s willing to stand by you becomes crystal clear. Before cancer, I prided myself on being the perfect housewife, handling everything flawlessly, almost obsessively. But this experience taught me to let go. I realized I shouldn’t only be a wife, mother, or daughter-in-law — I needed to be myself, too. I learned not everything has to be perfect because people rarely appreciate it; they just assume it’s your duty. So I chose to be kinder to myself — even as a full-time mom, it’s important to love and take care of yourself.
The process must have been incredibly tough. Could you share your treatment journey with us?
After chemotherapy, I had surgery. Since I’m not particularly afraid of pain, the local excision didn’t bother me and didn’t interfere with daily activities. However, because I have HER2-positive cancer, which is high-risk and prone to recurrence, I had 18 sessions of targeted therapy. From the fifth round of chemo, I started targeted therapy. Initially, I had dual-targeted treatment, but after the third round, my doctor switched to second-line therapy with Herceptin, as the dual treatment wasn’t effective enough. The targeted therapy sessions were quite relaxed, and I’d bring my luggage happily to the hospital, get the injection, listen to music, watch movies, and even grab coffee downstairs with my IV stand!
Two months after surgery, I started radiation therapy, with 20 sessions over a month. At first, it didn’t bother me, but by the 10th session, I had sunburn-like symptoms. By the last session, my skin felt severely burned—peeling, oozing, inflamed, and unbearably itchy and painful. I couldn’t scratch, and my skin felt like a burn. I had to apply ointment regularly and cover it with gauze to prevent clothes from sticking. On the plus side, I didn’t need to wear a bra, which was unexpectedly comfortable
What beliefs or values gave you strength and support during this journey?
My children and my psychiatrist were my strongest supporters throughout the treatment, constantly giving me mental strength. Every time I underwent treatment, my kids were afraid I might not come back home, so despite the strong side effects and even being bald or looking unwell, I still wore makeup to feel better and continued my daily life. I did what I could to be there for them, without pushing myself too hard, to provide them with a sense of security. My motivation was simple: "I want to live to see them grow." I followed all treatments diligently, took my meds on time, and even began practicing yoga two months before completing my treatment to help relax both my body and mind.
Has this life change led to new insights or a shift in your lifestyle?
Life is never perfect, and challenges are inevitable. The key is to face difficulties and find ways to overcome them. Even if the solutions aren't perfect, the outcomes—whether good or bad—become part of life's nourishment. Some things don't need to be taken too seriously, and it's important not to overestimate our own significance. As a full-time housewife, it may seem like my only responsibility is household chores, but I too have my duties and dreams. "Living in the moment" and appreciating every day after treatment, even if it seems just like any other, has taught me gratitude. You'll realize that sometimes, walking down the street, feeling the breeze on your face or fingertips, reminds you of how wonderful it is to be alive.
If a woman is facing breast cancer, what advice and encouragement would you give her?
After getting married and having children, I maintained a regular routine, exercised often, and ate healthily. When I was referred to the breast cancer clinic, I asked the doctor why I, living such a healthy life, got cancer. The doctor explained that while he couldn’t give a clear answer, factors like air pollution and chemicals in drinks could contribute. He advised not to dwell on it. In Taiwan, breast cancer treatments are well-established with many options available. Don’t believe in folk remedies or resist chemotherapy if needed. Follow the doctor's plan with a positive mindset. You may find that cancer isn’t a curse, but a unique blessing, offering new experiences and meeting caring doctors.
What details do you pay attention to when choosing swimwear? And how does HÁI swimwear feel to you?
I like swimwear that visually flatters my tummy, especially the Shimmer Butterfly Knot one-piece with pleats on both sides. I bought it in bright red and deep blue, and it beautifully shapes my waist while enhancing my complexion. The butterfly knot on the thighs is also cute, and the Sparkling series shimmers under the sun, with a unique and beautiful fabric. This summer, I’ll bring three HÁI swimsuits to the beach and will share photos on Instagram.
HÁI’s dresses and swimsuits are well-cut, simple, yet stylish and flattering. They make any mom feel confident and beautiful. Every woman, regardless of shape, deserves to look beautiful and confident, without worrying about others' opinions. Just be happy and be yourself.
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