Jennifer’s Medical Journey of Overcoming Breast Cancer

Patient: Jennifer

Country:Philippines

Age: 46

Sex: Female

Disease: Early-stage breast cancer

Treatment: Breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy

Hospital: Mount Elizabeth, Singapore

Treating Doctor: Dr. Kong Wee

Clinical Summary Before Treatment

Mrs. Jennifer, a 46-year-old educator from the Philippines, led an active life. She did not give her health any special consideration aside from the typical life responsibilities of work, family, and church. Over time, however, she became aware of some strange and unusual skin eruptions on her left breast; the eruptions became painful, and she felt a peculiar hard lump just underneath the skin.

At first, she thought it was a hormonal issue. Then, when the eruption continued and the lump stayed, she decided to consult with her local medical professionals. She visited a local clinic and underwent an ultrasound. The clinic findings raised some concerns regarding a suspicious breast mass. And, they mentioned the word "cancer" for the first time.

It was disheartening. The world seemed to pause for Jennifer. But instead of panicking, she drew on her inner strength and, with the support of her children and siblings, decided to seek medical treatment in another country, somewhere where she could receive high-quality oncology care.

Through a medical inquiry, Mrs. Jennifer was connected with Dr. Vishwas, a skilled international care coordinator at Medigence, who listened to her symptoms and reviewed her medical reports. He recommended Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore for breast cancer, as they have one of the most comprehensive breast cancer treatment plans on record.

Meeting Dr. Kong Wee at Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Mrs. Jennifer arrived in Singapore on September 9, 2024, and was directly admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital. From the moment she walked through the entrance, she felt a sense of reassurance in the organised, clean, calm environment, which was nothing like the disarray she had imagined.

Dr. Kong Wee met her the same day. He took the time to review all of her reports, conducted a clinical breast examination, and then requested additional diagnostics:

• Mammogram and breast MRI
• Biopsy of the lump
• Bloodwork and receptor testing

As he explained the details of each step, Mrs. Jennifer was confident in his disposition. He did not rush her through the clinical experience, nor overwhelm her. Jennifer appreciated how every professional, from nurses to oncologists, treated her with respect and dignity, rather than as a diagnosis.

The results came back confirming early breast cancer; however, the great news was that it was localised and did not have any distant spread. Because of the molecular profile of the tumor and Jennifer’s overall health, the multidisciplinary tumor board recommended:

• Breast-conserving surgery to remove the lump and surrounding tissue
• Followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

It was a difficult decision to come to. However, due to the emotional support from her care coordinator and the clinical certainty provided by Dr. Kong Wee, Mrs. Jennifer decided to accept the complete treatment that had been recommended to her.

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A Positive Outlook for Mrs. Jennifer

Her last breast scans showed no remaining tumor or recurrence of cancer. The eruptive skin changes had healed, and her breast was soft, symmetric, and showed no irregularities. She had gotten through the most challenging part, and although she still had local radiation treatment in the Philippines, the worst part was behind her. Before she flew back, Mrs. Jennifer was given a complete summary of her treatment, lab and biopsy reports, a list of medications with plans for follow-up, and ideas to support her emotional well-being, with an option to access online consults.