The Bee Sting that Changed Everything

Life Begins at 40? Not for Debbie Wong. For her, life began after cancer. It all started in 2015 when Debbie was enjoying a bicycle ride with friends at Fraser’s Hill. Out of nowhere, a bee stung her on her backside. Hours later, she blacked out, suffering from memory loss and requiring hospitalization. A week later, during a follow-up checkup, her doctor delivered unexpected news: she had stage 2 breast cancer.

“Everything happens for a reason, and in a way, getting stung by that bee was a favor. If it wasn’t for that incident, I wouldn’t have known I had cancer.” – Debbie Wong

While undergoing cancer treatment, Debbie also faced a divorce. She battled both the Big C and the Big D simultaneously. She emerged victorious from both battles, but in 2017, her cancer relapsed, advancing to stage 3.

This time, her treatment was more aggressive. Doctors embedded a chemo port in her chest to deliver the medicine more effectively. It was often painful, as the port rested on her muscle rather than body fat.

“I’m a very active person. I exercise, cycle a lot, and participate in dragon boat competitions. I don’t have much body fat on my chest area. Every time I move my arms, I feel the discomfort,” said the 56-year-old single mother.

Even after her diagnosis, Debbie maintained her active lifestyle, drawing on every ounce of physical and mental strength for her chemotherapy. Another vital source of strength was her beloved son, Lucas. He kept her going, motivating her to show him that life must go on, no matter what. Cancer taught her to value her time even more and be more organized with her life.

“Don’t wait for the things you want to do in life. Don’t wait because you never know when you will get that moment again. If you want to travel, go ahead and travel. If you want to exercise, go ahead and exercise. Don’t say you don’t have the time because it’s just an excuse. You can always make the time,” Debbie advised.

When asked for advice for other women, Debbie emphasized two key points. First, always go for your health checkups. Early detection is crucial. When cancer is detected early, the tumor is small and treatable. Second, be mindful of who you seek advice from. Some people share only the negative aspects of their cancer journey. Instead, seek out those who provide a balanced view, sharing both the good and the bad to give a full picture.

For nine years, Debbie has lived with cancer, continuing her checkups and treatment at Institut Kanser Negara (IKN) while embracing life to the fullest. As we mark June as Cancer Survivor Month, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination required to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Debbie’s journey inspires us to cherish every moment, embrace resilience, and support those affected by cancer.

Join us in supporting Cancer Research Malaysia by donating today and help us continue the fight against cancer. Your contribution can make a difference in the lives of many.