"Mdm Ho was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2005.  I had the privilege of attending to her when she came for a CT Scan in 2010 when her cancer relapsed.  I remember her breaking into tears as she shared her story with me: her husband had committed suicide as he could not bear the stress of caring for her and their two young sons. Her parents-in-law also blamed her for their son's death.

Mdm Ho also lived very near my estate and made a living by selling handmade jewellery from a push cart in a heartland mall nearby.  I would often sit by her store for a chat and she would seek advice about her condition.  Unfortunately, her condition took a turn for the worse and she passed on in 2012.  Her eldest son called me to break the news.

I attended her wake daily right until the cremation, and I tried to offer as much support as I could to her two boys.  The poor boys were completely lost.  My husband and I spoke with them and discussed how they could support each other.

We still keep in touch today – sometimes over meals but mostly through text messages.  This is a beautiful story of a family who stuck together in times of great distress.  I am glad I was able to be of help, and I am also glad that Mdm Ho's sons have allowed me to be in their lives. I don't think I will be able to erase my memories with Mdm Ho."

Melanie Tan
Assistant Nurse Clinician
National Cancer Centre Singapore

Tags: Nurse