YeoMama Club:
Intan Ramli
Meet Intan Ramli, a 52-year-old homemaker whose journey with breast cancer has been one of courage and transformation.
Diagnosed with Stage 3B metastatic breast cancer in 2021, Intan has faced numerous challenges but emerged stronger, embracing life with a renewed sense of gratitude and strength. Her story is a testament to resilience, family support, and finding hope even in the toughest moments.
Learn how her experiences have shaped her perspective on life, family, and self-care.
Could you share a little bit about yourself with us?
I'm Intan Ramli, a 52-year-old homemaker living life to the fullest despite my diagnosis.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B metastatic breast cancer, a journey that has profoundly changed me.
Can you share how did you initially cope with the diagnosis?
I felt very depressed, isolating myself, and always crying. No one in my family had cancer, so I was lost, not understanding why this was happening to me.
I was at low risk—I had children and breastfed. But then again, cancer happens, even to those who are seemingly healthy. It took me six months to a year to come out of depression.
During that time, I found the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) and connected with other survivors, which made me feel much better knowing that I’m not alone. You know, you cannot go through this journey alone.
After meeting and speaking with other survivors, it gave me strength to carry on, realising I’m not alone in this journey. My family and friends have also supported me tremendously throughout this experience.
Can you share more about your journey of discovering the lump in your breast and the emotions you felt during the diagnosis and treatment process?
I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 48. One day, after taking a shower, I noticed a lump on my right breast but didn’t take it seriously. Just like any lady, I brushed it aside.
However, after two weeks, the lump was still there, which alarmed me. I told my husband that this lump “you cannot play”, and decided we should take action. Finding a place to get checked was another challenge since I only knew about polyclinics and GPs. Through personal contacts, I managed to reach a breast surgeon who suggested a lumpectomy. At the same time, I had to check on my lymph nodes to see if they were affected.
It was a terrible time, as it was during the COVID period, and no visitors were allowed—my husband couldn’t be there with me. Even before entering the operating theater, I was crying, scared of the possibility that it could be cancer. My breast surgeon was very sweet and told me, “Intan, don’t cry. If it’s cancer, then just go for treatment.”
Unfortunately, it was cancer, and it had spread to one of my lymph nodes, making it Stage 3 (HER2+, ER/PR−). I was crying as my surgeon wheeled me to my ward and I asked him if I could please skip chemotherapy. He emphasised that I was still young and needed to undergo chemotherapy if necessary.
I have always been independent, juggling the responsibilities of sending my kids around. To them, their mom is a strong woman. Yet, during this time, I felt terrified about losing my hair and everything that came with it. You know, all these women’s things.
I went through six rounds of chemotherapy, which resulted in hair loss. The journey was incredibly tough; I didn’t feel like myself, often feeling like a zombie. Waking up, undergoing chemotherapy, losing my hair—my body didn’t feel like my own. I could barely manage to go down the stairs because my legs were weak.
What has your treatment journey been like, particularly after the recurrence, and how do you approach each day now?
After chemotherapy, I started targeted therapy to prevent cancer cells from spreading to my brain. As a HER2+ and ER/PR− patient, the chances of the cancer recurring in other parts of my body beyond the female organs are very high.
Last year in June, my cancer marker increased, plunging me into denial again.When my doctor suggested a PET scan, I said no, insisting I felt okay. After two weeks, the cancer marker rose even higher, prompting me to agree to the PET scan.
Unfortunately, it revealed a recurrence in my liver, lungs, and brain. Instead of invasive chemotherapy, I underwent Gamma Knife Surgery for my brain. I also started on a chemotherapy called Enhertu, which caused me significant fatigue.I have to undergo a PET scan every three months, and if the results show that my cancer markers decrease, it will be a celebration for me. I will have a mini celebration for myself because that’s good news to me.
Currently, after undergoing Enhertu for 6 to 7 months, some nodules have disappeared, and others have shrunk, while one in the liver showed no progression but remained stable. My oncologist changed my medication, and I am now on another chemotherapy regimen.
At this point, I am simply grateful to be alive and thankful for the treatments available to me. Many people out there cannot afford treatment. I take one day at a time.
Every day I wake up, I feel grateful to be alive. Cancer has made me stronger and more appreciative of those around me. I believe I have become a better mother, a better spouse, and a better friend because of cancer.
*Intan is now a stage 4 breast cancer warrior, bravely continuing her treatments and growing stronger than ever.*
