A Heart-Wrenching Journey

In a heart-wrenching but empowering story to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Singaporean Faith Lim shares her incredible journey of battling breast cancer while pregnant.

The Diagnosis

The day Faith received her diagnosis, August 25, 2021, is forever etched in her memory. At just 34 years old and only three months pregnant, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 ER-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer. To put this in perspective, about one in 13 women in Singapore will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making Faith's case particularly rare — being both pregnant and diagnosed with such a serious illness.

Early Signs and Diagnosis

Early signs of a problem came from lumps in her breasts, which she initially dismissed as normal postpartum changes while breastfeeding her first child, Allyson. However, knowing the importance of health, she took the proactive step of consulting her obstetrician, leading to a biopsy and subsequent emotional rollercoaster.

Facing Treatment Choices

The dread of the biopsy results loomed over her, igniting fears about the potential implications for her unborn baby. Despite the overwhelming nature of this diagnosis and the heartbreak it entailed, Faith found strength in her maternal instinct, fueling her desire to protect her child at all costs.

Faith was faced with treatment choices: the first option was a mastectomy, which involved surgery deemed too risky during pregnancy due to potential harm from anesthesia. Opting instead for chemotherapy, she showcased remarkable bravery. While this choice also held risks, including a chance of miscarriage, Faith knew it was a battle she had to confront head-on.

Chemotherapy and Challenges

Beginning chemotherapy in her second trimester, Faith navigated through the exhausting side effects while maintaining her commitment to her family. The physical toll was compounded by the psychological burden of being surrounded by other patients, many of whom were much older. This stark contrast stirred feelings of sadness, and she candidly admitted to allowing herself moments of self-pity.

A Family's Support

However, Faith's unwavering spirit shone bright throughout her ordeal. Just two weeks after her first session, she experienced hair loss, prompting her to make the difficult decision to shave her head, a moment she shared with her supportive husband, Shane. Together, they demonstrated vulnerability, unity, and resilience, reminding each other of their family's importance throughout this tumultuous journey.

The Birth of Ellysia

In January 2022, Faith gave birth to her second daughter, Ellysia, who arrived prematurely at 32 weeks. The triumph of childbirth mingled with the ongoing battle against cancer. Faith described her husband as a "pillar of support," steadfastly navigating the challenges alongside her. Their elder daughter, Allyson, also played an important role in the family's emotional landscape, showing maturity beyond her years.

Life After Cancer

Today, Faith is celebrating three years in remission, but she remains vigilant, attending annual check-ups with a sense of caution. Despite overcoming the disease, the fear of relapse still lingers, especially during medical appointments. As she reflects on her experience, Faith emphasizes the changing nature of her priorities — family now stands at the forefront of her life.

Graduating from her previous roles in the non-profit sector, where work often overshadowed quality family time, Faith is committed to savoring every moment with her children. With a smile, she shares, “After all, your kids are only young once,” highlighting the joy in cherishing life’s simple, precious moments.

A Beacon of Hope

Faith Lim's journey is not just a testament to her resilience but also serves as a beacon of hope for many facing similar challenges. Her story reminds us all of the strength that lies within and the importance of family support during our darkest times.