Stage I Breast Cancer: Shuyuan's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Shuyuan first found a breast lump during a self-examination in 2021. An ultrasound at a local clinic suggested that it was benign, and she had no other symptoms at the time. In November 2023, the lump became visibly prominent, prompting another medical evaluation. She was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in December 2023. Her doctors recommended breast-conserving surgery, lymph node surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Shuyuan underwent breast-conserving and lymph node surgery and later began postoperative activity. She is currently receiving radiation therapy, while hormone therapy remains part of the recommended plan. Fatigue has been the most difficult treatment effect, and she manages it by resting more. She has also changed her routine by eating more healthily several days a week and exercising less often than before. Cancer has made time with family especially important because Shuyuan previously lost her mother to cancer. She hopes to stay healthy, continue sharing yoga and gradually return to climbing Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks. Her main fear is becoming dependent on family for care, but she is trying to preserve the activities that matter to her while adjusting their intensity to her current health.