From Diagnosis to Determination: My Journey Through Cancer and Beyond

In 2014, at the tender age of 27, I faced an unexpected and harrowing chapter of my life: a cancer diagnosis. Initially, the news felt like a cruel misprint in the script of my youthful story. By the time I learned of my diagnosis, my condition was already classified as stage 3B—far too advanced for someone so young. How could this happen, I wondered? This was supposed to be a time for laughter, exploration, and growth.

The numbness that enveloped me was overwhelming. Who would have thought that late-stage cancer could strike at such an early age? I was at the peak of my career aspirations, working at PwC, thriving with ambition and dreams. I remember sitting in my office, staring at my computer screen, lost in thought. How could this be my reality?

What struck me most profoundly was the silence from those around me. Friends and colleagues seemed paralyzed and unwilling to engage with the gravity of my situation. Instead of sinking into sadness, I found myself wrestling with a deep-seated anger towards my diagnosis. It felt unjust. In Indonesia, the societal stigma surrounding critical illness loomed large; many believed that receiving such a diagnosis at a young age meant the end of the road. I was determined to flip that narrative—for myself and for others facing similar battles.

As the eldest daughter in my family, I felt an immense weight on my shoulders. I had always been regarded as the strong one, the source of stability. It was imperative that I rise above this challenge. I made a conscious choice to channel my emotions into something constructive. Instead of allowing despair to take root, I began to set tangible goals.

During six grueling months of chemotherapy in Singapore in 2015, I initiated the process of applying for an MBA scholarship. On days when I felt strong, I poured over essays and recommendation letters. On challenging days, my tasks were smaller: organizing my CV or gathering documentation. I remember vividly how it felt to balance my health struggles with my aspirations—an intricate dance of determination and vulnerability.

It was ironic yet empowering: I interviewed for my MBA between my 9th and 10th chemotherapy sessions. It was the day of my final treatment when I finally received the thrilling news—I had been awarded a government scholarship for my MBA!

I Thought I Was Healed When I Moved to the U.S.—But I Wasn’t

A year after finishing chemotherapy, I enrolled at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, optimistic that I had left my health struggles behind. However, life had a different plan in store for me. Just as I was settling into my new life, I discovered another tumor. The heart-dropping fear that washed over me was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I had thought that recovery would be a straightforward journey, but the path ahead was anything but linear.

The pressure to quickly regain my footing compounded my anxiety. I was surrounded by high-achieving peers who seemed to glide effortlessly through challenges. As a consultant, I thrived on structure and planning; suddenly, I was stripped of that sense of control, tossed into an unpredictable environment.

After graduating from my MBA in 2018, I returned to McKinsey a year later, engaging in projects that sparked my interest, particularly in digital transformation and energy. Yet, the ghosts of my chronic illnesses loomed, affecting my ability to participate fully in my career aspirations. There were times I was unable to complete tasks due to flare-ups—each episode a reminder of my fragility.

I spent two years surrounded by incredible colleagues, engaging in captivating projects. Yet, my health often felt like a lingering shadow, preventing me from relishing every opportunity. It became clear that I had neglected one crucial aspect of my journey: healing.

I Took a Sabbatical to Heal

In 2021, I made the difficult decision to step away from McKinsey, opting for a three-year sabbatical focused on healing. It was a radical shift, one that felt both terrifying and liberating. I owed it to myself to reclaim my body and mind, to thank myself for enduring so much over the years.

The first year of my sabbatical was all about self-discovery and recovery. I diversified my approach to physical fitness, experimenting with strength training, swimming, and even boxing—each outlet strengthening not just my body but my mind. I split my time between Jakarta and my hometown of Yogyakarta, surrounded by the family that had always been my anchor.

During this period, I met my future business partner, now my CEO. What began as casual advice on his venture blossomed into a collaboration that felt organic and right. Ironically, I had initially shunned the idea of working in healthcare, always drawn to the energy sector. But perhaps life was steering me towards a greater purpose, one that aligned with my own experiences.

In hindsight, that single year of sabbatical transformed my outlook on life, clarifying my ambitions and desires. I finally unearthed my ikigai—my reason for being. Despite straying from my original career path, the struggles I faced prepared me for the mission ahead: revolutionizing healthcare delivery.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that without my past experiences shaping me, I wouldn’t be equipped to make a meaningful impact. My story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and courage. What about you—what challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your path?

Do you have a story to share about a career pivot in Asia? Contact this reporter at cmlee@businessinsider.com.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.