News & Articles

Ms Alicia Huang, who cared for and lost her parents to cancer, became a patient herself. She shares her inspiring story of resilience, healing and hope.

HAVING FACED THREE CANCER DIAGNOSES WITHIN FOUR YEARS, Ms Alicia Huang knows the disease intimately — both as a caregiver and a patient. Her journey began when she cared for her mother, who battled endometrial cancer for three years, and her father, who fought oesophageal cancer for two years. They passed away just a month apart. In the midst of her grief, Ms Huang herself was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer.

“At the time, my younger sister and I had already been told that Dad wouldn’t make it much longer, as he was already very weak. We decided not to tell him about my diagnosis as he was already grieving over the loss of Mum,” recalls the 41-year-old. “During my dad’s funeral, I had to visit my surgeon to finalise my mastectomy surgery preparations."

Her surgeon's care extended beyond the operating room. Known for her warm and motherly nature, she provided reassurance at every step of Ms Huang’s treatment. When Ms Huang developed a clog in her mastectomy tubes during the Chinese New Year holidays, the doctor personally came back to attend to her, even though the clinic was closed. “She arrived in her home attire just to help me. That level of dedication was incredible,” Ms Huang recalls.

Love, Loss and the Will to Keep Going

Losing both parents within such a short time was devastating. Ms Huang had been exceptionally close to them, describing them as her best friends. To be by their side in their final months, she took nearly a year of no-pay leave from her civil service job. “We basically just spent every day together, doing the usual things they enjoyed, such as going to the hawker centre to have lunch and ice kacang,” she shares.

Despite her mother’s weak legs and frequent need to use the toilet, Ms Huang ensured they still went out for meals, driving them around in her car — something she had planned for financially. Though their outings were often short, she cherishes those moments as some of the most memorable times with her parents.

At home, she treasured the quieter moments just as much. Ms Huang would sit in her parents' room to accompany them, watching them nap. “Looking at them before I lost them to cancer. Alone in my room every night, I was crying… and at times, I realised I was also grieving over my own battle with cancer.”

Fighting Back with Strength and Determination

Her diagnosis could not have come at a worse time. Yet, Ms Huang’s resilience and strength helped her focus on her own treatment. Having seen the compassion and care her father received from the same medical centre, she knew she wanted the same support for herself.

For Ms Huang, her medical oncologist became a pillar of reassurance during an incredibly difficult period. “He was always calm and non-emotional. That really helps when you are already afraid of hearing more bad news. And I loved that he would say, ‘Just eat anything that makes you happy!’”

Through 16 chemotherapy sessions and 15 rounds of radiation therapy, her doctor was with Ms Huang every step of the way. The first chemotherapy session was the hardest — she struggled with nausea, lost her appetite and slept most of the time. But as her treatment progressed, the side effects became more manageable, and she was even able to indulge in the occasional buffet.

Previously an avid runner who clocked seven-kilometre jogs three times a week, she adapted her routine to daily 45-minute brisk walks under the doctor’s advice. Over time, she lost weight and reached a healthier level, shedding the kilos she had gained from stress-induced overeating.

She also took control of her treatment by conducting her own research. “Having that overview gave me confidence, and I was able to discuss making changes to my treatment that could benefit me both physically and emotionally. I felt I was in control knowing what was happening, and my doctor was very open and collaborative,” says Ms Huang.

A Network of Love and Support

Now on hormonal therapy for the next five years, Ms Huang is in no hurry to return to work. She is focused on self-care — doing home improvement projects, hosting friends and exploring new interests. She recently learnt about CanHOPE, a non-profit cancer counselling and support service, and is considering obtaining a certification in counselling to help others on similar journeys.

Ms Huang deeply values the support system that carried her through treatment, particularly her sister, best friend and radiation oncologist. “My sister accompanied me through treatment and took care of me daily, making me healthy breakfasts and accompanying me as I ate,” she says. “My best friend and I check in on each other every day, and she knows me better than I know myself. My radiation oncologist, who was also my dad’s doctor, was so patient. Always reassuring, he gave me the time I needed to compose myself when I broke down in the clinic while I was receiving treatment. Being there reminded me of my dad.”

Moving Forward with Confidence

The transition from caregiver to patient was humbling for Ms Huang. Allowing her loved ones to support her — which, in turn, reassured her that things were still in control — became an important step in her healing journey. “As cancer patients, we tend to think we will lose control of our lives. But we must be deliberate and intentional in choosing to live and fight this,” she says.

Determined not to let cancer define her, Ms Huang made a conscious effort to stay active and maintain her confidence. She refused to let hair loss keep her at home, choosing instead to put on makeup and draw on new brows. “Take control, head outdoors, get fresh air. Exercise, work out. Your circulation will improve, and you will feel stronger and more confident,” she adds. While many would fear cancer after watching it take both parents, Ms Huang found strength in their final days. Seeing the compassion and care they received during their palliative stage gave her confidence that she, too, could face the disease with resilience.

“I could have been frightened of cancer too, since it took my parents away from me while I was just diagnosed,” she says. “However, having witnessed how various people helped my parents pass with dignity and peace, I gained confidence. I am equipped to counter challenges and put on the armour to fight the disease. It is all about mental strength. I will continue to challenge cancer!”