'the hope which has no opposite in fear'
The words were stark: "Histology of the first slide showed fibrocystic change while the other slide revealed neoplastic proliferation of epithelium [... that] appears to be of ductular origin." The report screamed: "HISTOPATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS: INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA". As I read each line, I was silently muttering, "no, no, no...". My wife, Peng, just stared at the page -- the words might not have sunk in yet. After discussing the findings with the doctor, we sat on the bench outside the clinic, the early morning light seeping into the dimly lit corridor. "Why?" Peng asked. I usually have quick replies to all her questions, but this time, I had nothing. We consulted another specialist, who confirmed the diagnosis and provided options for treatment, which were the same as what the previous doctor recommended: "modified radical mastectomy". The words seemed all muddled up, the meaning hidden in jargon: "hormone receptor ...