In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, OncoCare Cancer Centre has invited Ms Huimin, one of our incredible survivors, to share her inspiring story.

Ms Huimin is a devoted mother of two and a passionate musician who finds immense joy in music. Her love for music, from teaching choirs to performing with her band, has been a central part of her life. Her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in October 2023 at 37 years old. 

With a family history of breast cancer, Ms Huimin had always been vigilant about her health, undergoing regular screenings. Despite her preparedness, the diagnosis was a shock. At the same time, she discovered that she carried the BRCA-2 gene mutation. Over the following months, she underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and multiple tests. Now cancer-free as of June 2024, she continues to inspire others through her music, resilience, and dedication to her family. 

Below is the interview with Ms Huimin. We are grateful to her for sharing her story with us.

Q: When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and at what age?

Ms Huimin: I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in October 2023 at the age of 37. I had breast cancer in both breasts due to a genetic BRCA-2 mutation.

Q: How was the cancer initially detected?

Ms Huimin: My family has a history of breast cancer, so I started yearly check-ups at 19 and began mammograms at 35. In December 2022, a mammogram found white spots on my right breast, but the biopsy came back clear. However, just to be safe, I continued monitoring my breasts. 

By October 2023, I noticed chest pain and called for an ultrasound and mammogram. The ultrasound detected an undefined mass, but the mammogram was clear. An MRI revealed two lumps in both breasts, and a biopsy confirmed the cancer. On November 15, 2023, I underwent a double mastectomy with a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

I started my first dose of chemotherapy on 8 January 2024 after the Oncotype DX test showed a high recurrence score. My last dose was on 22 May 2024.

Q: What was the most challenging part of your journey?

Photo of Ms Huimin performing at Esplanade, Singapore.
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpacYt5hH-w/?hl=en&img_index=7 

Ms Huimin: I’ve always been a workaholic. It was hard when I had to let go of my work as a musician during treatment. I even conducted at NDP 2023 before I started chemotherapy. But during the first week of chemo, I lost my voice. It was a chemotherapy side effect that hit me hard. The hardest part was stepping away from singing and just resting. I was also scared of the unknown and had moments where I broke down, especially thinking about my kids. But I knew I had to stay strong for them.

Q: Who were your biggest supporters during your treatment, and how did they help?

Photo of Ms Huimin with her family during 2024’s Chinese New Year celebration.
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3J_p9xu17u/?hl=en&img_index=1 

Ms Huimin: My husband, family, and domestic helper were incredible. My husband took over many household responsibilities, and my helper even accompanied me to all my chemotherapy sessions. My close friends were always checking in, and music was my therapy. I would still perform with my band, Uber Duber on some Saturdays when I wasn’t too tired, which would make me feel whole again.

Q: What strategies or activities helped you cope with the challenges of cancer treatment?

Ms Huimin: Music, singing, songwriting, shopping, and eating! After my chemo jabs, when I had more energy, I found comfort in night walks and shopping. I also indulged in foods I craved, like durian. The first few chemotherapy sessions left me with painful ulcers, so I could only eat cold foods like Bingsu and ice cream. After my first dose of chemotherapy, I wrote a song for my choir based on Psalm 23, which gave me a lot of comfort during that time.

Q: How has your perspective on life changed since your diagnosis?

Ms Huimin: I treasure everyday more, especially time with my husband and children. I realise now that work can wait as a family is forever irreplaceable. I want to be here for my kids and husband, and everything else comes second.

Q: Now that you’re a survivor, how are you living your life differently?

Ms Huimin: I’ve resumed my regular routine, conducting private lessons in the mornings and school choirs in the afternoons. Evenings are spent singing with my bands. I had to pause my Master’s degree in music education, but I plan to pick it back up soon. I also want to try new hobbies, like indoor snowboarding, and make more time for self-care and family.

Q: What message would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Ms Huimin: Don’t be afraid. Just have faith and trust the process. Go ahead with the treatment. It’s going to be alright. And please, go for yearly check-ups and take care of your "breast" friends. You’ll never know the unexpected. 

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Ms Huimin: I hope to continue using music as an outlet and inspire the younger generation. Singing is not only therapeutic. It's also a form of exercise, releasing endorphins and keeping you physically and mentally strong.

Q: What message would you like to share with your OncoCare medical team?

Ms Huimin: Dear Dr Peter Ang and the wonderful nursing team,

Thank you for always being supportive and reassuring throughout my journey. You've been a source of strength for me, answering every question carefully and helping me feel at ease during such a challenging time.

I’ll never forget how you and the team remembered the little details, like my favorite seat at the corner - small gestures that made such a big difference. Your kindness, patience, and attention to every aspect of my care meant a lot to me.

Follow Ms Huimin on Instagram @chenyi.official to catch more of her music and see her ongoing journey. Thank you for doing this interview with OncoCare as well as inspiring us and countless others.