As a nurse navigator, I am with patients from the very beginning. The moment they walk into the Pink Ribbon Centre, filled with uncertainty, right through to the completion of their treatment. I witness every part of their journey: the shock of diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, the laughter and the tears. I support not just the patients, but also their family members. We walk this path together.

It can be emotionally demanding, which is why self-care is so important. On my days off, I turn to cooking and baking because it helps me unwind. I enjoy trying out recipes from Che Nom and Khairul Aming. Whether it is a full-course Nasi Kerabu or something simple like cekodok pisang, it brings me a sense of joy and calm.

What I look forward to most is seeing patients return, having completed their treatment, and getting back to their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters. Women are the backbone of their families, and seeing them regain their strength is incredibly fulfilling.

What makes being a nurse navigator different is the relationship we build. It’s not just about tasks or treatments. It’s about walking alongside someone through one of the hardest periods of their life. From diagnosis to recovery, I’m with them, guiding, coordinating, and just being present.

Every day looks different. Some days I’m arranging scans or chasing test results. Other days I’m just listening because sometimes, that’s what they need most. And those quiet moments, when a patient feels seen and heard, that’s what I carry with me.

It’s a heavy role, and to stay grounded, I set boundaries. I remind myself that while I care deeply, patients need me to be calm and focused. That balance helps me support them better. Cancer care is more than just medicine. It’s navigating emotions, finances, and fears. When patients say, “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you,” I know I’m in the right place, doing the right thing.

Being a nurse navigator means supporting patients throughout their entire journey. It’s more than just test results or clinic visits, it’s about helping them confront fears, find clarity, and overcome emotional, logistical, or financial hurdles.

I’ve worked in other nursing roles, but this one feels deeply personal. I accompany patients from their initial diagnosis through treatment and sometimes even into survivorship. I guide them through understanding their options, applying for financial aid, and navigating a complex healthcare system. What I wish more people realised is that cancer care goes beyond hospitals and chemotherapy. It’s about access, support, and building trust.

Balancing work and family life can be challenging. As a mother and wife, setting boundaries is essential. I make a conscious effort to stay fully present in both roles and take time off when I need to recharge. This way, I can give my best to my patients and my family alike.

Being a nurse navigator is unlike what we learned at school. It’s not just about communication, counselling, and setting boundaries but learning how to truly live those lessons every day. In reality, navigating cancer care is complex. Some of us pick it up quickly, some need time, and some may feel overwhelmed. But the key is team support. I’m lucky to have that.

Most days at work are routine, checking on patients, sorting financial aid, making follow-up calls. But once in a while, a patient suddenly stops coming. No calls. No updates. It’s heartbreaking. Sometimes they just need space but we never close the door on them. I wish more people talked about it openly, like we do with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Why not say, “Let’s talk about the Big C”? There’s so many people still don’t know, about risks, symptoms, treatment options and especially in rural areas, that lack of access to information pushes many towards alternative treatments. We need to break the stigma.