She came forward to update on her health after going through a very difficult period for the leading lady. “Ploy Chermarn Boonyasak” who recently opened up about her experience fighting cancer, revealing that initial surgery costs soared to nearly 3 million baht, not including follow-up tests and monthly medication expenses. “Mom Ploy” honestly admitted that if she hadn’t planned for health insurance since her teenage years, things would have been very difficult.
Is the treatment very expensive?
“Very expensive. I was lucky to have insurance since I was young (laughs). Fortunately, once I was diagnosed with cancer, the insurance covered the costs. Without insurance, it would have been terrible because it was several million baht—about nearly 3 million just for the initial surgery, not including ongoing monthly tests and medications.”
Do you want to encourage patients since you’ve personally experienced this?
“I’ve been through it myself, and I feel like I survived. There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it and was in bad shape. I want to encourage everyone to get through it. Cancer fears happiness; we need to be happy and fight without fear. Now, technology is very advanced. As I said, early detection leads to early treatment, so don’t be afraid—it’s treatable.”
What is the most important thing to keep in mind?
“I think you have to strengthen your mind. No matter the stage of cancer, everyone is scared when they hear the news—it’s shocking and heartbreaking. But we have to understand what cancer is, which stage we’re at, how to take care of ourselves. We must understand and not fear it excessively because fear can harm our mental health. If our mind isn’t strong, our body suffers and becomes ill.
You really have to fight. I personally experienced feeling weak, depressed, and stressed. It showed clearly in my deteriorated physical condition. So mental strength is crucial. I want everyone to be strong and receive a lot of encouragement. We must fight. I’ve met patients with worse conditions than mine, yet they smile and laugh. When they have hope, they fight.”
How were you at that time?
“My mother and friends were there to support and care for me, but at first, I didn’t want to tell anyone. I only told them after the surgery was done, and everyone scolded me.”
About how many years ago?
“Treatment? I’m still undergoing treatment, taking medication. It’s an ongoing process, not finished yet. The early phase was hectic with surgery, but later it became fun—I enjoy the new experiences.”
How often does the doctor schedule appointments?
“Every four months. I see the doctor every four months and get a mammogram every six months or so. I do basic check-ups but see the doctor every four months. (Do you feel anxious at each check-up?) I’m most anxious during annual health exams to see if there’s anything new. But overall, no need to worry. Whatever happens will happen. As I said, getting to this point is lucky. Whatever happens next, early detection and treatment will resolve it. Modern technology is excellent, and doctors are very skilled. No need to be afraid, everyone.”
What have you learned after getting through that?
“I’m grateful to have a new life. It feels like I’ve regained strength and have been given a chance to live again. After recovery, I realized I love myself more. I want to make every day happy and do my best. It feels like a new opportunity. When I had cancer, I was at a low point, so now I find happiness in everything—even small things. I live fully and mindfully.”
Fans were very concerned?
“I was very thin then. (Having survived, can you share some inspiration for whatever challenges come?) Actually, many heavy things happened in my life at once. It was overwhelming, and I lost my composure. I was heartbroken and stressed. It all came together in that time—about a year and a bit when I wasn’t myself.”“Someone told me, ‘If I didn’t know you before, I wouldn’t recognize you now.’ I cried and felt I had to pull myself together in everything. So I came back to fight, love, and care for myself more.”.“
So that phrase changed your life, right?
“It changed my life, though it took some time to process and decide it was true. My heart wasn’t ready at first, but later I started loving and taking care of myself—paying attention, eating well, resting, exercising. Now I’m not stressed, feeling calm. Sometimes I get stressed briefly but then let it go.”
What color is your heart now?
“Pink. But I don’t have a boyfriend.”
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