Because of her strong heart and renewed self-love, the leading actress Ploy Chermarn has finally overcome the harsh days battling cancer, emerging as a "new Ploy" who chooses to change her perspective on love and let go of emotional burdens. She recently opened up fully on the program "Toh Noo Mam" on Workpoint Channel 23.
When asked about how she discovered her cancer diagnosis,
"Ploy was diagnosed at stage 2. My biopsy samples showed two secrets (laughs). It was breast cancer involving the lymph nodes. It started when I found a lump but had no symptoms. The doctor said it needed to be monitored as it might grow, so we kept watching it."
"At that time, I was a bit neglectful of myself because I didn’t get health check-ups—I thought I was healthy since I exercised a lot. The thing is, I really dislike needles and was afraid of them, so I avoided tests. After a year and a half, a friend told me to get checked. I finally bit the bullet and went for a check-up. That’s when they found it, so I had surgery and everything was taken care of."
How did you feel the moment the doctor told you it was cancer?
"At that moment, I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. It was so close to home. I thought, 'Is this really happening to me right now?' I was shaking all over. The word 'cancer' is frightening to everyone. Tears welled up, and I stood there wondering if it was true. But afterward, I had to accept it and fight."
Did it take you a long time to come to terms and fight it?
"I gradually accepted it."
Did you choose not to tell anyone about your condition at first?
"I started to accept it and fight. I worried that my loved ones would be very worried about me. I thought I could manage on my own. I fought for myself first. I didn’t want to tell anyone because cancer is such a scary and shocking word. But I believe that going to the doctor early and finding it early is important. The doctor said it’s not so scary anymore thanks to modern technology. Early detection and treatment lead to quicker recovery."
How is cancer treated nowadays?
"They surgically remove the malignant tissue and send it to the lab for testing. At first, I thought it was only in the breast, but tests showed two types. I had to have another surgery for the lymph nodes. I asked if it had spread to stage 3, and they said we would know during surgery after injecting dye."
"That was stressful—I cried. I thought about what life would be like if it was stage 3, how my organs and health would be affected. Many questions ran through my mind. I admit I was upset, but during surgery, I prayed and meditated, thinking 'whatever happens, happens.' Fortunately, the divine was on my side; it was stage 2. I then took care of myself and had 25 radiation therapy sessions."
How did you fight your own heart and mind at that time?
"It was like fighting my own fear. I didn’t tell many people, only my mother and a few close ones. Some relatives didn’t even know. My fight was to accept and come to terms with it. I felt I had to understand and accept it first."
How much have you recovered now?
"I recently had an updated PET scan, scanning my whole body to check for anything. The good news is there’s nothing now. I’m safe and healthy but still need check-ups every six months. I also have to take estrogen-suppressing medication, tamoxifen."
"So currently, I am a woman in menopause induced by medication, no longer having periods. I have to monitor my hormones. I will consult my doctor about hormone management. I experience hot flashes, sudden heat waves, significant graying hair, easy skin wrinkling, and various other symptoms."
You’ve started learning to do business; do you feel like you’re done learning about love now?
"Enough. I’ve learned a lot already. I’ve graduated from this school with a doctorate (laughs). I’ve failed the exams many times."
How is your current perspective on love?
"I still see love as something beautiful. Right now, I don’t think about it much. My main focus is loving myself first and being happy with myself because I feel like my life has started anew. I’m enjoying it. I never think negatively about love—it happens, passes, and moves on. Love is always beautiful. Love is a lesson."
Has your perspective changed a lot?
"I believe that everyone who comes into our lives, whether lovers, friends, or others, sometimes they are gifts, and sometimes they come as lessons in life. That’s okay... we can keep moving forward. When we’re ready, we move on."
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