Embracing life experiences

My journey with breast cancer began when I first felt a lump in my breast a few years ago. When I mentioned the lump to the doctor during the annual health check-up one year, she asked me to do a mammography once I turned 40 which was in a few years. Against my better judgement and intuition, I waited till I turned 40 and then that year opted for the Voluntary Add-on policy that included a mammography. It was then that my intuition and years of concerns were validated.

Inspired by the love and support I received, I have made it my mission to, as we say in Deloitte, Pay it Forward. From sharing my story, to encouraging others to focus on their health, to being there for those that have reached out with their own diagnoses, I look for ways to use my experience to build awareness and support others. By sharing my experience and offering a listening ear, I hope to continue a ripple effect of kindness and support.

While the story of all of us who have survived breast cancer is a testament to the strength of us as individuals and the many people that supported us, there is always more that can be done to increase awareness and take control of one’s own health. Deloitte offers us so many great benefits like the annual health check-ups, top up to our health insurance, critical illness cover and much more.

Surviving cancer has been more than just beating the disease; it has been a journey of self-discovery and transformation. This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson of kindness—both to myself and to others. In the hustle of everyday life, it's easy to forget self-compassion, but now, I see it as a necessity. As I move forward, I carry the strength and resilience this journey has taught me and look forward to this adventure that is life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Health truly is wealth: Trust your intuition and seek medical advice as soon as you can. Regular health checkups and being proactive about any health concerns is critical to early detection.
2. Being strong can sometimes mean admitting you feel you don’t feel strong: Its ok to admit feeling afraid, lost, or worried. Give your family and friends a chance to be there for you. Consider professional help from Deloitte’s empaneled vendor 1 to 1 help if you feel you need it. I know they helped me greatly in this journey.
3. Nothing lasts forever: Cliched as it might sound, nothing lasts forever. It helps to remember this in trying times.

The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers or any organization with which she is associated. This article is not a substitute for medical/professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your health. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your health, you should consult a doctor and/or a health professional.