Sheer Grit Helps Breast Cancer Survivor Overcome Post-treatment Challenges  

In 2017, Tina Wong started documenting her breast cancer journey on Instagram (@only.pink.now). The very first post was a medical drawing of her chest, with indications of an 8×5 lump in the right breast.  

“They claimed it was benign and didn’t commission a check. [It turned] out to be malignant!” reads the caption, which ends with a frustrated face emoji.  

Just six months ago, Tina had a routine mammogram and ultrasound, at the advice of her gynaecologist. The ultrasound revealed a lump which the radiologist dismissed as benign. She was simply told to go for a follow-up mammogram six months later.  

She heeded this but, on the advice of a friend, asked a breast specialist to evaluate the results of her second mammogram.   

Her decision was pivotal. The breast specialist advised removing the lump and in the process, discovered Tina had Stage 2B breast cancer. Tina was stunned at how her lump had grown by 4cm within just six months from the initial mammogram.    

“If I had gone to see a breast specialist from the start, I may have removed [the lump] six months earlier… I wouldn’t be subject to so much more now,” she reflects.    

Taking Ownership of Her Health  

Perhaps it was this early encounter that shaped Tina’s approach to her cancer journey. Her experiences reveal a trend of self-reliance and resolve. Tina’s story is not just one of survival. It is about taking control of one’s health and making the best decisions one can in the face of uncertainty.  

To treat the cancer, Tina underwent a total of two surgeries, four chemotherapy sessions and 33 radiotherapy sessions. In the process, she had to make some tough calls.