UNLEASHING THE WARRIOR IN ME: AMBER’S JOURNEY

There are some things in life that we have full control over, and there are others that we have no control over at all. For Amber, this is one of the many things she cannot control. However, she did not let it take control of her life.

Through her experience battling cancer, she learned many valuable lessons that she now hopes to share with others by doing what she does best: writing and sharing her story with the world. This inspired her to publish her newly released book, Unleashing the Warrior in Me.

Unleashing the Warrior in Me elaborates her personal journey through cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Through this book, she shares honest diary entries that capture the physical pain, emotional struggles, and uncertainties of treatment while highlighting the strength she found in faith, family, friendship, and hope.

When asked why she decided to publish the book, Amber shares, “I have decided to write this as part of me sharing my experience and providing inspiration to others, whether someone battling cancer or their family and friends.”

She further explains her desire to inspire others through her personal philosophy, which she expresses using her pen name, AMBER:

A — Acceptance. “Acceptance is the first part. It’s hard to accept, but we need to. The questions such as ‘Why me?’ will not be answered; just learn to accept.”
M — Move On. “Along with moving on is planning. Planning for the treatment, talking with your medical team, talking with your family and friends, and your workmates.”
B — Bravery. “This is something we need to have because it’s not a walk in the park.”
E — Evolve. “A new you will emerge. You will not be able to bring back the old you, but there will be a new version of you.”
R — Resonate. “Be an inspiration to others that there is hope.”

The author initially wrote the book as a series of journal entries, documenting the different emotions she experienced, from fear and anxiety to small triumphs. She shares, “What I did is to journal every emotion. It helped me a lot and served as my means of releasing my emotions.”

Like any author sharing a deeply personal story, Amber also faced challenges while writing her book, especially while undergoing treatment. When asked about the most difficult part of the process, she reveals, “Initially, I was adamant because people might see the vulnerable side of me. I also don’t want to be pitied because, as part of the book, I say I chose to be a warrior and not a victim.”

With the rising number of cancer cases today, Amber offers this advice to those facing a similar battle: “Take it one day at a time. With faith, support from family and friends, you are not alone in this battle.”

For readers who wish to read her book and find inspiration in her journey, Amber hopes they will carry these meaningful words with them:

“I got you.”
“I heard this numerous times from my boss, who gave me the privilege to concentrate on my healing. I also encountered the same phrase in my Bible readings, which strengthened my faith and brought me closer to Him.”

“If I can’t add days to my life, I can add life to my days.”
“These words came from my fellow cancer warrior, Shanie Lim. We never know when our time will come, so enjoy life, put color into it, and make every moment memorable—not just for yourself but also for the people around you.”

“You only live once, but if you live right, once is enough.”
“I got this from my mom. Give your best shot in everything you do. Have no regrets when the time is over because you gave it your best, and that is what will be remembered.”

And finally, these are Amber’s own words:
“Cancer is a word and not a sentence.
It picked the wrong fighter this time.
I chose to be a warrior and not a victim.”