Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: My Supportive Family Through the Journey

Park Mi-sun Shares Breast Cancer Battle, Inspiring Thousands with Resilience

seoul, south Korea – December 4, 2025 – Beloved south Korean broadcaster Park Mi-sun, 58, is openly sharing her journey battling breast cancer, offering a beacon of hope and sparking a wave of support online.After a ten-month absence from the public eye, Park Mi-sun announced her “survival report” on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block” last month, and has since been actively documenting her life and treatment on social media.

Recent posts showcase a renewed zest for life,including a heartwarming family trip to an amusement park in Osaka,Japan. “It’s been a long time since we whent on a family trip,” she shared on SNS, detailing a day filled with laughter, good food, and cherished moments. This display of normalcy comes amidst a challenging period, highlighting the strengthened bonds within her family, particularly with her husband, Lee Bong-won.

Lee Bong-won recently shared a touching video on his YouTube channel of a phone call with Park Mi-sun, demonstrating their unwavering support for one another. He reflected on how their relationship has deepened since her diagnosis, noting a shift in priorities and increased dialogue.

Park Mi-sun is also providing a raw and honest account of her treatment through her YouTube channel, ‘I am Park Mi-sun.’ In a recent video, she bravely showed her ‘Chemoport’ – a device used to protect blood vessels during chemotherapy – and explained the harsh realities of the treatment. “When you get an anti-cancer injection, your blood vessels melt,” she explained, adding that despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and determined. “I’m holding on, fighting.”

The video has resonated deeply with viewers, amassing an remarkable 750,000 views in just five days and garnering over 1,000 supportive comments, manny from fellow cancer patients. Park Mi-sun’s vulnerability and strength are proving to be a powerful source of inspiration, demonstrating the importance of family, perseverance, and open communication in the face of adversity. Her story is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and joy can prevail.

How did establishing open communication within the family impact the way you navigated the complexities of cancer treatment options and potential side effects?

The Initial Shock & Facing the Unknown

Receiving an unexpected cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment. It’s a whirlwind of emotions – fear, disbelief, anger, and overwhelming uncertainty. The World health institution (WHO) defines cancer as a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells (https://www.who.int/fr/health-topics/cancer). This definition, while clinical, doesn’t capture the emotional weight of those words.

For me,the initial shock was compounded by the feeling of disrupting my family’s life. My immediate concern wasn’t just my health, but how this would impact my husband and children.The first few days were a blur of appointments – oncologists, surgeons, radiologists – each one adding layers of complexity to the situation. Understanding cancer types, cancer stages, and cancer treatment options felt like learning a new, terrifying language.

The Power of Open Communication

One of the most crucial things we did as a family was to establish open and honest communication. we decided early on that we would face this together, and that meant sharing details, fears, and hopes.

* family Meetings: We held regular family meetings to discuss my appointments, potential side effects of chemotherapy, and how we could adjust our routines.

* Age-appropriate Explanations: Explaining cancer to children requires sensitivity. We used simple language and focused on the fact that I was sick and needed medicine to get better. We reassured them it wasn’t their fault and that we would continue to love and support each other.

* Active Listening: Creating a safe space for everyone to express their feelings was paramount. My husband and children needed to voice their anxieties, and I needed to be able to share my own vulnerabilities.

This open dialog wasn’t always easy. There were tears, disagreements, and moments of raw emotion. But it built a foundation of trust and understanding that proved invaluable throughout the journey. Seeking emotional support is vital during this time.

Roles & Responsibilities: A Shifting Dynamic

A cancer diagnosis inevitably shifts family dynamics. Suddenly, roles and responsibilities need to be reassessed.

* my Husband’s Role: My husband became my primary caregiver, attending appointments with me, managing medications, and providing unwavering emotional support. He also took on more household responsibilities, juggling work and family commitments.

* Children Stepping Up: Our children, though young, found ways to contribute. They helped with chores,offered words of encouragement,and simply being present brought immense comfort.

* Accepting Help: Learning to accept help from friends and family was a challenge, but essential.Offers of meals, childcare, or simply a listening ear were gratefully accepted. Don’t hesitate to ask for cancer support groups or cancer resources.

This period highlighted the astounding resilience and adaptability of my family. It wasn’t about maintaining the status quo; it was about finding a new normal that allowed us to navigate this difficult time together.

Navigating Treatment Side Effects & Maintaining quality of Life

Cancer treatment, whether it’s surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy, often comes with a range of side effects. These can be physically and emotionally draining.

* Managing Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness. It’s persistent and debilitating. Prioritizing rest, pacing activities, and gentle exercise helped me manage this symptom.

* Nutritional support: Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial during treatment. Working with a registered dietitian specializing in cancer nutrition helped me optimize my intake and minimize side effects like nausea and loss of appetite.

* Emotional Well-being: Cancer and depression often go hand-in-hand. Seeking therapy or joining a support group provided a safe space to process my emotions and develop coping mechanisms.

* Maintaining Normalcy: Despite the challenges, we made a conscious effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Family movie nights,weekend outings (when possible),and celebrating small victories helped us stay connected and focused on the positive.

The Importance of Self-Care (for Everyone)

While my health was the primary focus, it’s crucial to remember that cancer impacts the entire family. Everyone needs to prioritize self-care.

* Caregiver Support: My husband also needed support.Encouraging him to pursue his hobbies, connect with friends, and seek therapy helped him avoid burnout.

* Children’s Needs: Our children needed extra attention and reassurance. Spending quality time with them, listening to their concerns, and providing a stable and loving environment were essential.

* My Self-Care: Even during treatment, I made time for activities that brought me joy – reading, listening to music, and spending time in nature.