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To-wen Tseng's picture

This Mother’s Day marks a milestone for me and my baby—my first (and so far only) child just turned one year old, and I have continued exclusively breastfeeding him for one whole year, in spite of the two fibromas in my right breast. 

For this I have to thank my own mother, the most optimistic breast cancer survivor I’ve ever known, for showing me how to face the disease that can fright many women.

I still remember that day when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, the following surgery, the chemotherapy, and all those sleepless nights. I especially remember what she told me about losing one breast, “it doesn’t interfere with my rule as a woman nor a mother.” 

Because of her example, I know exactly what to do when my doctor found a suspected cancer in my right breast: One, stay calm. Two, continue to breastfeed. 

It turned out to be a fibroma instead of cancer. I have to say that I was relieved. But, still, I know I can still be a great woman and a great mother (just like my mom) should that really happen!
 

My mother and I at my rehearsal dinner back in 2008. On her left chest is a chemo port scar.​

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