Audrey Go: Lessons From the Greatest Fight of Her Life

For the businesswoman and girl mom, her breast cancer journey became one that’s changed her life for the better.

This story about Audrey Go first came out in Modern Parenting’s 2022 print edition.

Breast cancer is among the top cancers that affected Filipinas in 2020, according to the Department of Health and the Philippines Statistics Authority. This means that 3 in every 100 women in the country will receive such a diagnosis in their lifetime. Business owner and mom-of-three Audrey Go didn’t expect that she’d be part of this alarming statistic.

In July 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, taking everyone by surprise. “I thought I did everything right,” Audrey shares in an interview with Modern Parenting. The then 39-year-old was at the peak of her health, exercising daily and watching what she eats, and had no family history of cancer.

Round One: Audrey vs. Breast Cancer

With no idea about how the disease would behave, Audrey and her family struggled to navigate through the various pieces of information. It was overwhelming to process and take everything in — from treatment options to chemotherapy, surgery, and the costs associated with these procedures. And then there were the physical side effects and symptoms that were going to manifest that she had to deal with too.

The first moments of knowing you have cancer are typically difficult, as Audrey confirms. But as she shares, “As the reality of cancer sunk in, I knew that the only way to beat it was to move forward with a positive mental outlook.”

Audrey credits her husband, Brian, for taking full charge in choosing the best treatment plan for her, requiring him to set aside his emotions to fulfill this task. The family provided the needed emotional and practical support, while the couple’s friends helped by taking the kids to their regular activities when they weren’t available. Her young kids served as her strength and comfort during difficult times. “My heart swells with gratitude when I think back to all the people who touched our lives with their prayers and kindness.”

Winner: Audrey Go!

Having been in remission for four years now, Audrey has learned so many valuable lessons in her breast cancer journey. “One is to cherish things and people that are important in life. We often get stuck in the hustle and bustle of life that we ignore what matters the most,” she says. The past four years have also strengthened her faith, finding peace and security in her life in Christ. She considered the experience as positively life-changing, as she became more patient and appreciative, and definitely more loving.

Audrey also learned that cancer chooses no one, no matter how you think you’re doing things right with your health. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Rich or poor, young or old, fit or not, anybody can get sick with cancer.” She encourages everyone to go for routine check-ups. It’s especially important for women to do a monthly self-check on their breasts. The process is quick, and early detection is really crucial.

Every Fight Offers Its Lessons

Audrey is grateful that she gets to continue to raise her three daughters, Maika, Kaelynn, and Larisa. In a world where social media paints images of unrealistic standards for women, she hopes to teach them to be more secure and confident in who they are. She tries to be a friend rather than a strict parent in these moments, engaging them in open conversations and discussions.

And now that she’s back to running their family business alongside her mom, she’s been more mindful and purposeful with family time. Weekends are off-limits for work, which she encourages her staff at Dexterton Corporation to do as well. As a family, they enjoy traveling and discovering great restaurants, and when at home, they love watching movies, playing board games, and cooking. For Audrey, it’s all about quality time and she makes sure to make every second spent with them count.

More about breast cancer and strong moms:

The Pink Ball: A Charity Gala to Help Stop Breast Cancer
It’s Time to End Breast Cancer for Every Woman AND Man
Understanding Breast Cancer from a Doctor’s Perspective